[Boost-users] test failure rate and usage

From: JHAYNBERG_at_[hidden]
Date: 2004-07-22 11:13:42

I wanted to use the Boost smart_ptr classes on Solaris 8/Workshop 7 and 
RedHat E3/gcc 3.23.  So, I downloaded the boost src (and jam and 
boost.build) and built the entire package.  After seeing many test 
failures, I discovered on the regression test page that no compiler 
achieves 100% pass rate and some are about 30%.  I have 2 questions.

One, in general, how does one know when it is "safe" to use a boost 
library on a particular platform?  For example, if a platform's failure 
rate is 15%, should boost be used?

And, two, with just the boost source (without building any libraries), I 
was able to use the boost::shared_ptr in my Solaris application by merely 
including the right header.  Apparently, I don't need to build boost to 
use shared_ptr which leads me to ask, in general, how do one know when a 
library is needed (or not needed)?  Shouldn't the fact that boost is 
mainly templates mean there should be little or no implementation (i.e. 
code that needs to be compiled into a library)?  For example, many 
template libraries are provided as header-only solutions.

Thanks!
Jay Haynberg
Software Engineer

This message and any attachments (the "message") is
intended solely for the addressees and is confidential. 
If you receive this message in error, please delete it and 
immediately notify the sender. Any use not in accord with 
its purpose, any dissemination or disclosure, either whole 
or partial, is prohibited except formal approval. The internet
can not guarantee the integrity of this message. 
BNP PARIBAS (and its subsidiaries) shall (will) not 
therefore be liable for the message if modified. 

                ---------------------------------------------

Ce message et toutes les pieces jointes (ci-apres le 
"message") sont etablis a l'intention exclusive de ses 
destinataires et sont confidentiels. Si vous recevez ce 
message par erreur, merci de le detruire et d'en avertir 
immediatement l'expediteur. Toute utilisation de ce 
message non conforme a sa destination, toute diffusion 
ou toute publication, totale ou partielle, est interdite, sauf 
autorisation expresse. L'internet ne permettant pas 
d'assurer l'integrite de ce message, BNP PARIBAS (et ses
filiales) decline(nt) toute responsabilite au titre de ce 
message, dans l'hypothese ou il aurait ete modifie.