Re: [Boost-users] General Boost documentation

From: James Hughes (JHughes_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-04-24 11:35:48

> 
> From: "James Hughes" <JHughes_at_[hidden]>
> > My pet one is simple loading and saving of configuration 
> information in 
> > XML.
> > Which library should/can I use for that? Serialisation? Or 
> is there a 
> > better
> > option? Or is there a boost lib in the wings perhaps aimed at that
> > particular task?
> 
> I'm assuming you are not following the current raging debate 
> on the boost 
> developers list, then. Your criterion is 'simple' meaning 
> simple to use, I 
> take it....
> 

Not following the developer list, but have seen the library in the 'up and
coming' sectioon, hence the slightly loaded question!!

> Currently being reviewed is just such a library, property_tree.
> 
> It solves this particular constrained problem relatively 
> simply but isn't to 
> everyone's taste in design and implementation.
> 
> The current debate has an element of 'purist vs pragmatist' 
> programming.
> 

I'm purely pragmatic myself...

> A 'simple' configuration file library *could* have multiple 
> layers and 
> components to decouple many different elements of design. In 
> becoming more 
> useful and extensible as separate components with clearly 
> defined roles, it 
> may perhaps be seen as less easy to use for this one role.
> 
> That said, good motivating examples in documentation *can* 
> make a seemingly 
> complex collection of interacting classes seem just as simple 
> as a dedicated 
> 'property tree' as currently proposed.
> 

I think that is am important point - an 'example' paints a thousand words as
it were.

I would add that a 'pragmatic' example is the best sort!

> Sit down, relax and read the many current threads on the 
> developer list or 
> just go to the boost vault and download property_tree rev 5, 
> then run for 
> cover.
> 
> > Another is Boost::graph - I see lots of questions about it 
> on the list, 
> > but
> > what real world problems does it solve?
> 
> On a more serious note, I completely agree (in general). A few more 
> motivating examples of problems solved would benefit both 
> existing and 
> potential new users.

Quite.

James