Re: [boost] A possible date for dropping c++03 support

Subject: Re: [boost] A possible date for dropping c++03 support
From: Mike Dev (mike.dev_at_[hidden])
Date: 2018-08-26 03:07:33

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Boost <boost-bounces_at_[hidden]> On Behalf Of Robert Ramey via Boost
> Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2018 3:17 AM
> 
> On 8/25/18 12:51 PM, Mike Dev via Boost wrote:
> >  From the discussion about abi compatibility when the Boost.System library is
> > compiled e.g. in c++03 mode and then included in ac++11 project or vice
> > versa
> > (https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/boost-developers-archive/EWG5NVOZo_
> > g)
> >
> >>
> >> When can we drop C++03 support? :D
> 
> 
> My understanding has been the boost only requires that libraries be
> conforming to the current C++ standard. I don't think that requires for
> support for C++03

I certainly didn't want to claim otherwise as a lot of libraries already require
c++11 or later. However, I'm talking about dropping c++03 support in libraries
that did support it till now.

Considering the strong internal coupling between older boost libraries,
an individual library can't drop c++03 support without this decision
affecting many, many other boost libraries. And while external users that
can't migrate to c++11 have the option to just stick to an older boost 
version, internal users (aka other boost libraries depending on it) 
can't do that. 
So, let's say the maintainer of Boost.iterator wants to drop c++03 support 
and start using c++11 features. That would mean that at least a dozen or so 
other libraries that depend on it would suddenly also no longer be c++03
compatible without them having any say in it. 
If I were a boost library maintainer I'd certain not want to make the switch
to c++11 under those conditions, even if I'd do it with a standalone library
for which I can just release a new major version. This is, why I think,
such a decision needs to be made by all affected maintainers (or at least 
by most of them) together.

Mike    

> 
> Robert Ramey
> 
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