Re: [boost] [1.51][Release] Short release cycle

Subject: Re: [boost] [1.51][Release] Short release cycle
From: Stewart, Robert (Robert.Stewart_at_[hidden])
Date: 2012-07-03 07:05:10

Steve Ramsey wrote:
> On Jun 30, 2012, at 8:43 AM, Lars Viklund wrote:
>
> > I'm just fearing that there'll be more premature C++11
> > taint by the day in Boost, making it less and less usable on
> > C++03 as versions come out.

Standard compliant code is hardly a taint.

> My thinking on this is that just because you're forced to
> live in a cave and code on bongos is no reason why I can't
> have nice things.

Hyperbole aside, I agree with your sentiment.

> Besides, it's a bit difficult to "establish 'existing
> practice' and provide reference implementations so that Boost
> libraries are suitable for eventual standardization" when you
> aren't even targeting the current standard.

Right.  Boost is much less about long term support than it is about advancing the state of the art in C++ library design and standardization.  Accommodating users of older compilers has always been up to the individual library author.  Conditional compilation is a pain they must choose to incur and endure.  If you want a library to add support for your platform, it's up to you to encourage the library maintainer to add support or to contribute patches in the hopes the maintainer will adopt them.  There is no other option.

You're asking that no C++11-only library -- despite passing the review process -- be permitted in Boost solely on the grounds that it doesn't support your platform or that it will ease the development and maintenance of other libraries which will then no longer support your platform.  Older platforms are deprecated either by consensus or attrition.  If you have one of those platforms, you necessarily must use an older version of Boost.  I have several of those to support.  My preference is to push ahead those languishing on older platforms.  That reduces the number of platforms I must support both in terms of building my libraries and applications and in ongoing maintenance.  Why should a *volunteer* organization like Boost be expected to do anything different?

_____
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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