Re: [Boost-build] [doc] b2 headers

Subject: Re: [Boost-build] [doc] b2 headers
From: Robert Ramey (ramey_at_[hidden])
Date: 2018-04-09 17:40:05

On 4/9/18 10:27 AM, Steven Watanabe via Boost-build wrote:
> AMDG

>    `b2 headers` is not really intended for end users.
> It's only relevant when working from git as the
> packaged releases have all the headers moved into
> boost/ to begin with.  As a result, the obvious
> places to put this documentation (the getting started
> guide and `b2 --help` from $BOOST_ROOT) are not really
> correct.

LOL - THIS end user uses github from my machine.  I invoke b2 headers as 
needed.

OK - you're going to argue that I'm not a typical end user.  I don't kno 
about that.  But this is a great way of working.  We should encourage 
users to connect to github directly.  The idea of downloading a huge 
monolithic boost distribution on from time to so last century.

>    Also, most of the time, you don't need to care
> about `b2 headers`.  Running b2 in $BOOST_ROOT
> will build the headers in addition to putting
> the libraries in stage/lib.  For internal use
> such as Boost tests and examples, the necessary
> headers will be created automatically.

Hmmm  - I never trusted that, but if you say so ...
> 
>> But, as long-time Boost.Build users, I dare to judge this is an
>> excellent example of why peole hate this awesome build system :)

Right - unfortunately you're not alone.

I think the build system lacks clarity regarding whom it is trying to 
serve, what it's proper scope is and what it is supposed to do.

Robert Ramey