[Boost-build] [python] Python build description

Subject: [Boost-build] [python] Python build description
From: Vladimir Prus (ghost_at_[hidden])
Date: 2010-07-13 15:40:55

While the immediate point of the Python port and my sabbatical is to
get Boost.Build internals converted to Python, while keeping Jam
languange allowed to build description, it is becoming apparent that:

- For complex build tasks, Python might be better. In particular,
it's almost impossible to allow Jam modules to extend classes defined
in Python, so any code that defines custom generator classes has
to be Python
- It's awkward to have build description split over two files in
different language

So, it seems reasonable to permit build description entirely in Python.
Like, if you have 'Jamfile', it's in Jam language, and if you have 
'build.py', it's Python. 

However, existing Python based tool has straight-forward, but not
too nice syntax. Does anybody have great ideas how a build description
in Python can look a little bit declarative, or nicer that plain
sequence of function calls?

Thanks,

--
Vladimir Prus
http://vladimir_prus.blogspot.com
Boost.Build: http://boost.org/boost-build2