Re: [boost] [endian] endian flip and endian domain

Subject: Re: [boost] [endian] endian flip and endian domain
From: Stewart, Robert (Robert.Stewart_at_[hidden])
Date: 2010-06-10 06:43:55

Adam Merz wrote:
> Stewart, Robert <Robert.Stewart <at> sig.com> writes:
>
> > "endian_swap" doesn't connote the copying overhead so I
> > see that as suitable to the in-place operation, and
> > "endian_cast" as more appropriate to convey the copying
> > operations.
>
> I've been more or less neutral throughout this discussion --
> it seems a bit bikeshedish in that as long as the semantics
> are correct, the naming doesn't warrant so much discussion.

I understand that much attention has been drawn to something so apparently simple as naming, and yet we'll be stuck with the names for a long time, if things go as intended.  How many have been annoyed by the "empty" member function's not emptying but indicating whether a container is empty?  Similar mischances are likewise awkward, so it is not without value to consider names carefully.  Furthermore, when names are not counter-intuitive to semantics, they assist in forming associations with actual semantics.

We have discussed a great many other aspects along the way, so we're not entirely distracted by names, but it is worth settling soon to avoid further distraction.

> However, this is the first naming proposal I've seen
> suggested that I *really* like, so +1 from me on this.

I'm please to get another opinion on the matter, if for no other reason than you agree with me!

> FWIW, as far as the namespace is concerned, I think the
> entirety of the library should reside in the boost::endian
> namespace, and these two function templates should be
> brought into the boost namespace via using declarations.

That really is what I have meant, though I've expressed it as those names being in the boost namespace.  Thanks for the clarification.

_____
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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