Re: [Boost-users] Library Interface Design

From: Delfin Rojas (drojas_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-09-12 22:38:18

> Scott Meyers wrote:
> 
<snip>
> 
> So, library users, what do you prefer, and why?
> 

I prefer complete construction 100% - if an object cannot operate it should
throw from its constructor. I think the design of .NET libraries is
influenced by the capabilities of all the languages it supports, and also
because methods may be called _after_ an object is dispossed via a direct
call to the Dispose method. 

In .NET it is pretty common to create an object, set a bunch of properties
and then use it (UI widgets for example). However, even when some of the
properties of an object may be set after construction, the object
constructor should set default values for member variables so the object
methods can be called safely. For example, if I create a button instance via
a default constructor I should be able to ask the button to draw itself
before I set X, Y, width, height and color (even if it draws a black 1x1
box).

Those are my 2 cents,

Thanks,

-delfin