Re: [boost] Official warnings policy?

Subject: Re: [boost] Official warnings policy?
From: Stewart, Robert (Robert.Stewart_at_[hidden])
Date: 2009-11-06 09:13:54

Daniel James wrote:
> On Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 1:38 PM, Stewart, Robert
> <Robert.Stewart_at_[hidden]> wrote:
> >
> > By "stuff," I assume Paul meant "libraries," as in "no new
> > libraries accepted into Boost unless warning free."  That's
> > fair, if it is established and known before a review begins.
>
> Currently, we don't even require that a library builds on any specific
> compilers, let alone warning free. What you're suggesting adds a
> considerable burden on a developer - which is particularly unfair if
> the library is eventually rejected. Implementation issues can be fixed
> after the review and, in this case, I would hope it would be with the
> help of the boost community.

It isn't unfair if the submitter understands a policy a priori.  Furthermore, proving Boost quality and readiness, for a review, means meeting Boost coding policies, whatever they might be.  If a potential submitter finds following a policy too onerous before a review, what might be found too burdensome after acceptance?  The Boost bar is set high for good reason.  Whether such a warnings policy is ever made official is completely separate; whatever policies are established, it is fair to expect submitters to follow them.  If the policies are bad, then they may prevent worthwhile submissions and should be corrected.  If not, they may well prevent subpar submissions.

Given that Boost has officially supported compilers, there is at least a tacit requirement that libraries build on those compilers.  A library can specifically disavow support for one of those compilers, but that would be unusual in practice.

_____
Rob Stewart                           robert.stewart_at_[hidden]
Software Engineer, Core Software      using std::disclaimer;
Susquehanna International Group, LLP  http://www.sig.com

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