Re: [Boost-users] [serialization] serialization of pointers toprimitive types?

From: JOAQUIN LOPEZ MU?Z (joaquin_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-09-16 15:03:33

----- Mensaje original -----
De: Robert Ramey <ramey_at_[hidden]>
Fecha: Sábado, Septiembre 16, 2006 7:50 pm
Asunto: Re: [Boost-users] [serialization] serialization of pointers 
toprimitive types?

> JOAQUIN LOPEZ MU?Z wrote:
[...] 
> > Wouldn't it be an option that pointers to
> > primitive types will be handled as non-tracked? What would be
> > the overhead of that option? In case this is an option, please
> > consider my vote for inclusion as a new feature in Boost 1.35.
> 
> OK - that would work fine - but I also believe it would trip the
> infamous "const trap" so that might have to be considered.

Umm... Well, at first blush, seems like serializating a
pointer to a primitive type is no different than serializing 
a pointer to a non-primitive type --the same const issues,
controversial as they might be, are already present.
Besides, this new feature would be a pure extension, in the
sense that code that didn't compile before would do now, so,
you're positively not breaking anything.

[...] 
> So - although the problem never comes up for me I concede your
> point.  I have erroneously confused the identity of two concepts -
> serialization and tracking.  From that standpoint I'm inclined
> to make the change you suggest. The only concern is that it would 
> breakone of the user traps that inhibits certain user behavior 
> because it will almost surely lead to intractible problems. 

Again, I don't see how ensuring that the const rule works also
for primitive types is any harder than the current implementation,
which only applies to non-primitive type --seems like all you've
got to do is to extend the enforcement in a straightforward
manner. But then again, you're the implementor and surely
can see internal difficulties I'm not aware of.

> Dealing with the trap is a pain - but its much less painful than
> dealing with user's who have done something that is permitted and
> seems natural to do end up having archives that cannot be read or
> recovered.  I believe that serializing someting like 
> std::set<int *> will eventually lead to such problems eventually
> in most cases.
> 
> To summarize, you're correct.  But I'm concerned that just 
> "fixing" the code will create new set of problems.

Thanks for addressing my concern! Well, if you're doing the
change for Boost 1.35 we'll surely have plenty of time to
detect any potential problems that might arise.

> Robert Ramey

Best regards,

Joaquín M López Muñoz
Telefónica, Investigación y Desarrollo