Re: [boost] Introduction of numeric_adaptor

Subject: Re: [boost] Introduction of numeric_adaptor
From: OvermindDL1 (overminddl1_at_[hidden])
Date: 2009-11-01 20:14:00

On Sun, Nov 1, 2009 at 2:16 PM, Bruno Lalande <bruno.lalande_at_[hidden]> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I would like to introduce the numeric_adaptor library that Barend and
> I have developed to address a recurring problem: integration of big
> numbers. We already talked about it in the past, when discussions
> about geometry would lead to robustness. We're introducing it now
> because of the upcoming formal review of GGL.
>
> The purpose of this library is to turn big-numbers proposed by the
> most well-known big number libraries into value-types, (almost) usable
> like any number. This way, a library developer who has a robustness
> sensible function to write can take numbers as template parameters,
> and use them in such a way that they can be a fundamental type or one
> of the value-types provided by numeric_adaptor.
>
> This is basically done by:
> - defining in all the big-number types all the operators needed to
> manipulate them like fundamental types
> - defining some free functions in the boost namespace for other
> operations (sin, cos, hypot, conversions...), which have an default
> overload for fundamental types and a specific overload for each
> big-number type proposed
>
> Example:
>
> template <class T>
> T my_robustness_sensitive_function(T value)
> {
> Â  Â value /= 2;
> Â  Â T value2 = boost::to<T>("123.0123456789");
> Â  Â value += boost::sqrt(value2);
> Â  Â return value;
> };
>
> This function is numeric_adaptor-ready. If T is a fundamental type,
> boost::to() will forward to boost::lexical_cast and boost::sqrt() will
> forward to std::sqrt(). If T is one of the big number types provided
> by the library, specific overloads will be used. The precision of the
> function will thus entirely depend on the type passed. If the user
> chooses to sacrifice precision and use fundamental types, there won't
> be any run-time overhead. If the user wants something more precise and
> uses a big-number type, the precision of the result will be the one of
> the chosen type.
>
> The library is extensible. Anyone can add a new big number type with
> all needed operators, and overload the free functions (or specialize a
> dedicated traits class - see boost::to()).
>
> Note: For conversions, we would have liked to extend
> boost::lexical_cast directly, but the library is not designed in that
> sense. That's why we wrapped it into a boost::to() function which is
> explicitly designed to be extended, via traits. Last week on this list
> list a generic convert_to was discussed and that system could be used
> alternatively.
>
> The library is in the Boost sandbox:
> https://svn.boost.org/svn/boost/sandbox/numeric_adaptor/
>
> The library currently proposes 2 big number types: CLN and GMP.
>
> This is not a formal review request, rather a preview and a reference
> that we will possibly use during the review of GGL. However, we would
> really like to have your feedback and to know if such a library would
> make sense.

Looks quite fascinating, now we just need a Boost.BigNum library.  :)