[boost] Pimpl Again?

Subject: [boost] Pimpl Again?
From: Vladimir Batov (Vladimir.Batov_at_[hidden])
Date: 2016-05-28 01:41:17

Don't laugh but it is only fairly recently at work that I managed to 
move all our supported platforms to C++11. So, then, I started moving 
our code to C++11 (what a delight!) and stumbled upon my old pimpl which 
is used quite a bit around my workplace for all its good properties... 
:-)

Now C++11-ed piml turned out to be very small and very basic. So basic 
it felt it did not have the right to exist. Still, it encapsulates and 
enforces the "proper" pimpl properties and behavior, reduces 
implementation minutia and offers a recognizable deployment pattern 
(helps other people reading the code).

Over the years IMO the technique has been proven as legitimate and 
useful, a basic but important building block... rather than a curiosity 
item. Unfortunately, despite many articles and a few Sutter's GotWs 
about it there is nothing ready-to-go like std::unique_ptr.

I feel that pimpl and its deployment pattern need to be codified, 
described, "standardized" and in our toolboxes to stop/avoid everyone 
re-inventing the pimpl and making the same mistakes. IMO Boost is best 
positioned for that.

Do you think we might review what I've got and/or maybe collectively 
come up with something better... It's no MPL or Hana but as 
std::unique_ptr it's one of the first "little things" I personally reach 
out for in my everyday work. IMO having pimpl in Boost would save quite 
a few hours of frustration for many.

Thoughts? No pressure. I am easy either way. :-)

https://github.com/yet-another-user/pimpl

Docs are freshened up but still somewhat out of date. Apologies.