Re: [boost] Boost CMake support - Request for Comment

Subject: Re: [boost] Boost CMake support - Request for Comment
From: Rene Rivera (grafikrobot_at_[hidden])
Date: 2018-10-12 04:45:57

First, thank you Robert for starting this discussion.

Second, I think the scope and goals of supporting CMake, even though well
intentioned, fall short of what Boost needs to do to resolve the varied
afflictions that plague us.

In what follows when I refer to: "users" I mean those programmers that
obtain Boost and use the libraries in their projects, and "authors" as the
programmers that develop and support the Boost Libraries and tools.

With that in mind, what I would like us to do is what I've mentioned many
times in the past.. Move towards a truly modular Boost distribution and
development that: a) supports users no matter what environment they choose
to use Boost Libraries in, b) supports developers to flexibly develop and
test their libraries, c) allows Boost to grow in a way that doesn't cripple
development resources.

I think that without a "fully normalized modular Boost" a CMake, or any
other build system, effort is a waste of time. As it doesn't address the
long term viability of Boost. And hence if we are going to spend
considerable effort it should be towards modularity. And everything else
can flow from that. In addition to the standard requirements that Robert
mentioned here's what I think is required for a modular Boost:

1) Fully normalized library file structure that can be introspected.
2) Clear inter-library, and non-cyclic, dependency arrangement and
information.
3) Abandon the super-project structure as a development and distribution
vehicle.

To telegraph my intent for when it's time for proposals.. I think that for
#1 above I think we should be forward looking and follow the Pitchfork
structure proposal <http://bit.ly/2Edy4pC>.

As for build system.. I think I only have one additional requirement given
the above:

1) We should support generating multiple build system files for
distribution and development from the introspection of the modular Boost
libraries to support the varied user and developer needs.

-- 
-- Rene Rivera
-- Grafik - Don't Assume Anything
-- Robot Dreams - http://robot-dreams.net