Re: What is this "Beman Project Development"?

From: Niall Douglas (s_sourceforge_at_[hidden])
Date: 2024-05-10 15:01:43

On 10/05/2024 13:41, Peter Dimov via Boost wrote:
> Niall Douglas wrote:
>> It is true I have been spectacularly unsuccessful at WG21. I have not affected
>> one single word of normative text since I began attending meetings. The entire
>> sum of my words affected would come from the next merge of the next C
>> standard, where I have been far more effective with very considerably less
>> work invested. Unsurprisingly, that's where I'll be moving to after the C 26 IS
>> ships, as I'll have far more effect on the C++ standard from WG14 than I ever
>> will from WG21.
> 
> What did you get into the C standard?

My biggest single direct contribution is fixing `fopen()`. I got defect 
resolutions merged into C23, and I have more improvements hopefully 
coming in C2y. Once I depart WG21, I have my magnus opus of 
standardisation coming: modernising signal handling, which will be 
mainly a WG14 based effort. Once I achieve that, I'll be moving on from 
standards (and probably be quite close to retirement by then).

But it's wider than that. People on WG14 incorporate my advice and 
feedback including to wording. Several papers which were merged into the 
standard have included changes I suggested. I've also made suggestions 
about direction, and got consensus from the committee about that 
direction instead of being ignored or shouted at. It's nice to be 
listened to, and be taken seriously enough that people act on my 
suggestions.

Myself and Boost have had a confrontational relationship in the past, 
but in my opinion (you and other will disagree), y'all after arguing 
heavily with me at the time then a few years later went ahead and 
quietly implemented almost everything I suggested. So I'm good with 
Boost at the present time - I spoke, you listened, you eventually 
implemented much of it. Rock on!

Maybe WG21 will do what I suggest today a decade hence. I hope so.

Niall