Re: [boost] [Boost Library Incubator] Unable to submit library

Subject: Re: [boost] [Boost Library Incubator] Unable to submit library
From: Robert Ramey (ramey_at_[hidden])
Date: 2014-07-20 12:59:03

Edward Diener-3 wrote
> On 7/20/2014 2:03 AM, Robert Ramey wrote:
>> Edward Diener-3 wrote
> 
> I think you can appreciate that having to duplicate tests which already 
> exist through bjam/Boost Build when the user clones the project is not 
> something I really want to do. I really don't see the big deal of 
> someone interested in my library cloning it locally under modular-boost 
> and then having all the documentation and tests locally. I explain very 
> carefully in my top-level *.txt files how to do all this.

There's no disagreement here.  That's exactly how I envision that 
this site be used.

> I do appreciate the work you put into it. But I think that anyone 
> interested in a library in the Boost Library Incubator sight should be 
> trying it out locally just like everyone does with Git projects.

There's no disagreement here either. 

But there are a couple issues you've left unaddressed.

a) One looking for a library can only find documentation for libraries
already in boost.  For the sandbox one had to download the package and
(maybe) build the documentation in order to see the decimation.  For me
this was a big problem which I addressed by requiring browsable html
documentation.  The github method - (has a minor/temporary problem - I know)
is perfect for this.  It means one can browse the documentation immediately.
So this issue is resolved for me.

b) If I have an interest in a library, I like to see reviews by others
regarding
their experience - again immediately.  This is addressed by using the
facilities
in the of wordpress web development to permit comments and boost style 
reviews - and # stars rating info - on libraries not part of boost.
So this issue is resolved for me.

c) When evaluating a library, I like to be able to test it.  Currently only
libraries already in boost are tested by our system.  And our system
requires dealing with boost build and all it's problems.  In spite of the
heroic efforts by boost build developers, it's just to big a hill to climb, 
too soon for one who want's to make a library which might not be
accepted.  the Incubator requires tests - but it does not require any
specific testing/building setup - e.g. boost build.  Certainly, boost
build fulfills the requirement - but other systems to also.  After much
time investigating alternatives - I'm recommending that library
submitters use CMake in the manner that I have described in the
Advice/Simple Tools section.  Not perfect - but along with the
information I provided - provides the simplest and most expedient
way to get the job done and fulfill the incubator requirements.

d) When evaluating a library, I would like to immediately see test
results on a variety of platforms, compilers, etc.  Boost testing dashboard
only displays results of libraries already in boost - so it's no help.
Turns out that CMake has this facility.  It is hard to figure out from
the CMake documentation  (another problem) but I've included
detailed instructions on setting this up along with an example
using safe numerics.  So that's what I'm recommending personally.
Other library submitters have used other means to fulfill the requirement
for a testing/deployment method.  And I have no problem with that.

So that's the rationale behind how we got to where we are today
on this.  It might be helpful to remember that the incubator is 
different than boost in that it has a much looser structure.  It doesn't
prescribe methods - only requirements.  The web site is really
a facade to make the various ways of fulfilling the requirements
look more uniform and impose some (but not too much) structure
on the process of library development.

It's a work in progress.  I much appreciate the feedback from all
parties working with this system - it's a great help.  Thats why
I love boost - it makes me a better person.

Robert Ramey

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