[boost] numeric directory/namespace

Subject: [boost] numeric directory/namespace
From: Robert Ramey (ramey_at_[hidden])
Date: 2018-08-14 22:42:25

I'm preparing to make adjustments to safe_numerics directory and 
namespace in preparation to incorporating safe_numerics into the 
official boost distributions.  I have a couple of decisions to make that 
someone/everyone will want to weigh in on.

There is already a directory boost_root/libs/numeric which seems to be 
an "umbrella" for libraries dealing with numerics.  It includes 
conversion, interval, odeint and ublas.  There is an index.html in there 
also.  But instead of referring to the above libraries, it points to the 
ublas documentation.

So it's sort of tempting the place safe numerics in libs as a sub 
directory.  But I really have strong reservations about the whole 
concept of have this "umbrella" directory in the first place. 
Personally I'd just prefer to use boost_root/libs/safe_numerics.  I 
don't think the extra structure adds anything and makes it harder to 
implement tools which scan the directories.  It would also mean that I 
should ? use #include <boost/numeric/safe_numeric/ ....> and I'm not 
sure want to do that.

Also I expect I'll want to sync the namespace 
boost::numeric::safe_numeric:: ... with the file system.

It just seems more complex and flexible than it has to be.  I see the 
future of boost as diminishing coupling between libraries and I see the 
current setup as not helping with this.

Please don't wait to answer until I've made the changes.

Robert Ramey