[Boost-users] Re: bjam options

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2004-08-09 08:19:24

"Samuel" <samuel_at_[hidden]> writes:

>> Which Windows?  I am using XP Pro here.
>
> I am also using XP Pro.
>
>> And if you immediately do the same thing without the quotes, in the
>> same directory, what happens?
>
> I got it figured out now. The double quotes do not matter, as you thought.
> The problem is that bjam requires "boost-build.jam", even if just
> "bjam --help" is used. So I was getting the error when it could not find
> that and by coincidence I was using the double quotes. Then when I tried
> without the double quotes, I must have been in the boost directory that made
> bjam happy. That error message sure is unexpected if the only problem is an
> unrecognized option. I was too quick to assume that bjam is stupid.
>
> So if it is possible, the ideal solution would be to allow the help option
> to work without requiring additional input/files. 

I agree that's desirable.  Even if it's not going to do the *same*
thing without the build system being present, it should do
*something* sensible.

> We might be confused by use of double quotes, but since they are not
> needed unless they are needed, I think we will figure things
> out. When double quotes are needed, then it should be obvious to
> most of us when they are and how to use them.

You'd be surprised.  I think it's better to keep them in the docs than
to remove them.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
http://www.boost-consulting.com