[boost] [1.36.0] Getting Started changes (ticket #1744 plus other fixes)

From: Beman Dawes (bdawes_at_[hidden])
Date: 2008-08-09 17:50:56

Before we can ship 1.36.0, some "Getting Started" documentation changes 
are needed. These changes are the only thing preventing 1.36 from 
shipping. Enough said.

* Section 1, Get Boost, both Windows and Unix Variants: need to begin 
with a suggestion that users first check for the availability of 
platform specific installers, linked to the correct URL.

[Rationale: the platform specific installers are the preferred way for 
users to install Boost if their platform is one of those supported.]

Questions for Doug: Are the platform specific installers to be hosted on 
SourceForge as part of the "boost" package? What is the initial set of 
platform specific installers that will be provided for 1.36?

* Section 1, Get Boost, Windows: current text needs to be updated if 
Boost Consulting is not going to be also providing installers.

[Rationale: The current wording is very specific, thus needs careful 
adjustment to match reality.]

* New section, before the current section 1:  Suggest visiting 
http://www.boost.org/doc/libs/1_35_0/more/getting_started/index.html to 
see if there has been a "Getting Started" documentation update.

[Rationale: that way we can push out better docs as soon as available, 
instead of having to wait for the next release.]

* Section 5.2.4, Invoke bjam, both Windows and Unix Variants: needs to 
say what library variants (static/dynamic, debug/release, 
multi-threaded/not) are build by default.

[Rationale: (1) It is too late to change the default behavior for 
1.36.0. (2) The worst problem with the new defaults isn't the specific 
choices, but that those choices aren't documented, and (3) it needs to 
be crystal clear how to build the full set.]

* Section 5.2.4, Invoke bjam, both Windows and Unix Variants: after the 
current contents, needs to give the exact command line for building all 
library variants.

[Rationale: resolves (3) in prior item.]

Since Dave is on vacation, I'm not sure he will be able to make these 
changes. If he can't make them, I'll give it a try.

Thanks,

--Beman