Re: [boost] boost.lockfree update

Subject: Re: [boost] boost.lockfree update
From: Tim Blechmann (tim_at_[hidden])
Date: 2010-07-25 04:50:14

>>> 1. "Limitation: The fifo class is limited to PODs". I really would like
>>> to be able to use this with arbitrary objects. I'm sure PODs are
>>> required for good reason, but a rationale somewhere would be greatly
>>> appreciated.
>> 
>> it is a limitation of the michael/scott algorithm. if you want to pass
>> non- pods, you have to use heap-allocated pointers.
> 
> What exactly about PODs is it taking advantage of?  In C++0x will it
> work for all standard layout types?

one needs to read the payload from the fifo node, before it is dequeued. 
this may happen more than once otherwise a later dequeue may free the node. 
it is nothing, c++0x can change, but a property of the michael/scott queue 
[1]. the type essentially needs a trivial copy constructor.

tim

[1] 
http://www.cs.rochester.edu/research/synchronization/pseudocode/queues.html

-- 
tim_at_[hidden]
http://tim.klingt.org
The composer makes plans, music laughs.
  Morton Feldman