Re: [boost] Request for Interest in several Modules

Subject: Re: [boost] Request for Interest in several Modules
From: Stewart, Robert (Robert.Stewart_at_[hidden])
Date: 2012-01-11 07:44:38

Klaim - Joël Lamotte wrote:
> On Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 10:30, Artyom Beilis <artyomtnk_at_[hidden]>
> wrote:
>
> > Why not? std::string is convertable from char const * also
> > "creating string" price is quite negligible in comparison to
> > loading library...
>
> I agree but lot of libraries that take such inputs uses const
> char * to avoid forcing to use std::string, as some plateform
> implement it in a non efficient way (I'm thinking embedded), so
> I was asking to know if there is a particular reason. I
> personally don't mind, I also don't know if it's a important
> thing for boost, but it might be if you try to standardize it
> one day I guess.

The cost of creating a std::string may be relatively negligible, but that doesn't make it zero.  Don't forget that it puts additional pressure on the free store.  If a std::string is not needed, don't create one.

That said, the best approach might simply be overloading.  If clients have a std::string, it can bind to a std::string const & parameter, thus avoiding the need to use c_str() (in the char const *-only approach).  If clients have a char const *, an overload accepting that will prevent creating a std::string unnecessarily.

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





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