Re: [boost] Library devs only: Boost v2.x distro design questions

Subject: Re: [boost] Library devs only: Boost v2.x distro design questions
From: Robert Ramey (ramey_at_[hidden])
Date: 2018-10-24 20:26:14

On 10/24/18 12:12 PM, Niall Douglas via Boost wrote:

I think this question is ill-formed.  It presumes that someone (us) can 
determine what other people are going to do.  No one has the authority 
or influence to do that.

But what can we do then.  We can provide support for those who want to 
restrict their choices of Boost libraries according to their own 
criteria.  That is:

a) given information about a library, e.g. which level of C++ is 
required, is it actively maintained and supported, etc. etc.

b) show me a list of elgible libraries.

c) and tell me if any on that list are dependent upon on non elgible 
libraries.

d) decide which subset of Boost I want to use.

e) download and build that subset.  Presumably this subset will be 
compatible with each other. Let's call that a "closed compatibility 
subset" - or for brevity "closed subset".

Now I can download, build any closed subset that captures the 
requirements that I have set.  If I'm lazy - and I am - I could use 
someone elses prepared list - C++17 compatible libraries.  Or C++03 
libraries presumable a larger set. If I'm not lazy I might make my own 
closes subset - those libraries which don't required RTTI. or ...

In short, rather than having the Boost organization try to make these 
subsets for me through some sort of review process, just help me make my 
own subset.

Now implement "modular" boost and we're done.  Libraries no longer in 
use are siting out there somewhere - but who cares - they're not 
polluting anyone's universe.  The whole problem just becomes a non 
problem.  No committees, no discussion, no pain, no deprecation, no 
discussions about replication, no boost policy regarding library 
support, no discussions about what boost policy regarding library 
support. no wasted time - all for the cost of a little bit of "wasted" 
disk space.  Wouldn't that be heaven?

Now the only thing we need to do to get all of these benefit is to make 
it easier to use a subset of the whole of boost.  That is Boost 
Modularization. In order to do this we need:

a) Consensus that this is necessary and valuable.

b) More detail on what has to be done to achieve this.  A

c) Some implementations.

Amazingly, slow progress is being made on all three fronts.  I've very 
hopeful for the future!

Robert Ramey