Re: [boost] [preprocessor] Sequences vs. All Other Data Structures

Subject: Re: [boost] [preprocessor] Sequences vs. All Other Data Structures
From: Edward Diener (eldiener_at_[hidden])
Date: 2012-04-22 18:09:38

On 4/22/2012 3:21 PM, Sebastian Redl wrote:
>
> On 22.04.2012, at 21:05, Edward Diener wrote:
>
>> On 4/22/2012 5:45 AM, Paul Mensonides wrote:
>>> On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:51:11 +0000, Nathan Ridge wrote:
>>>
>>>>>> I don't see why one compiler's lack of standards-conformance should
>>>>>> prevent a useful library from becoming part of Boost.
>>>>>
>>>>> Because it is not just MSVC that's the problem, and I know what the
>>>>> tendency will be. This will work with compiler XYZ with *just* this
>>>>> little workaround.... Any workaround whatsoever in Chaos is absolutely
>>>>> unacceptable to me. It ruins the very point of the library.
>>>>
>>>> The library could be proposed to Boost with the explicit understanding
>>>> that it is intended to work only with fully standards-conforming
>>>> preprocessors. In the long run its presence in Boost might even
>>>> contribute to putting pressure on vendors of non-conformant
>>>> preprocessors to get their act together.
>>>
>>> I doubt the latter that would happen.  Essentially, because Chaos cannot
>>> be used when targeting VC++, Boost cannot itself use it.
>>
>> This is not completely true. Even though it would provide more work for a library implementor, a library could choose to use Boost Chaos for compilers that support it and choose to use Boost PP for compilers which do not ( including VC ).
>
> What advantage would that give the library implementor over just using Boost PP?

The same advantage C++ programmers get when they use standard library 
containers instead of C arrays. They would be using better technology 
and promoting that technology. I do know that they would still have to 
use Boost PP for compilers that do not completely implement the 
preprocessor correctly for C++11, but there is a gratification of using 
better technology when one can.

Being held back from using better technology because of compiler 
deficiencies, even in a multi-compiler environment, is not my idea of 
pleasurable programming.