Re: [boost] Library dependencies and intrer-library code reuse

Subject: Re: [boost] Library dependencies and intrer-library code reuse
From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2010-03-26 14:02:42

At Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:30:49 -0500,
Zachary Turner wrote:
> 
> Ok, sure.  In some cases it's not possible.  I guess I didn't explicitly say
> that because I thought it was kind of obvious but you're right, I should
> have clarified, or at least not emphasized *every* library.  But the point
> was that if it's possible, it should be done.  I think that it's possible in
> large part for almost every library which is not strictly a metaprogramming
> library, or which generates some runtime code.   Most libraries use some
> element of metaprogramming, but oftentimes they are internal details and the
> metaprogramming-related headers can be included only from CPP files.
> 
> Like you said, minimizing inter-library dependencies isn't that impractical.
>  My point was that I don't think minimizing inter-library dependencies is
> necessarily a worthy goal.  We should *encourage* libraries to use other
> libraries, while mitigating the negative effects of these dependencies from
> the user's point of view.

I simply don't have time to argue that point right now, but I disagree
about the worthiness of the goal.  Every dependency should be an
informed and conscious decision on the part of a library developer.

-- 
Dave Abrahams           Meet me at BoostCon: http://www.boostcon.com
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