Re: [boost] Let's stop distributing binaries

Subject: Re: [boost] Let's stop distributing binaries
From: Robert Ramey (ramey_at_[hidden])
Date: 2018-08-29 16:35:19

On 8/29/18 9:07 AM, Olaf van der Spek via Boost wrote:
> On Wed, Aug 29, 2018 at 4:53 PM, Robert Ramey via Boost
> <boost_at_[hidden]> wrote:
>> The fact is that users of boost use compilers with differing levels of C++
>> standard conformance.  This creates a number of problems including (but
>> probably not limited to)
>>
>> a) Using libraries built with different levels of C++ conformance may create
>> ABI issues.
>>
>> b) it creates a discussion about "dropping C++03 support".  Actually it
>> creates a discussion about that the above actually means.
>>
>> c) It's motivated a suggestion that all libraries move to header only. This
>> is not  great idea - but I won't address that here.
>>
>> I believe all these issues - and more - would disappear if we just stopped
>> distributing binaries.
> 
> Why do you think so?
> It doesn't solve A, B or C.

a) since the user would be compiling everything with his own favorite 
compiler with the -std setting he desires, There would be no ABI issues.

b) LOL - It's been stated numerous times that the the Boost policy is 
that a library must only be compatible with the currently release C++ 
standard.  This makes the discussion of "dropping C++03" support 
non-sensical an pointless.  But the question keeps arising.  So I'll 
have to conceded you're right here.  Nothing will likely resolve this issue.

c) I'm presuming the suggestion of Header only libraries is at least in 
part due to the fact that it would address a) above.  That is, any 
issues related to ABI would go away.

That's why I think so.

Robert Ramey

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