Re: [Boost-users] Why even use Boost preprocessor library over myowncode generator ?

From: Arkadiy Vertleyb (vertleyb_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-05-25 12:08:05

"Arkadiy Vertleyb" <vertleyb_at_[hidden]> wrote

> If your goal is to generate some repeatative code, you could probably get 
> away with your own generator.  I suspect most applications of Boost PP are 
> just like this.
>
> OTOH, if you want to define a macro which expands according to parameters 
> provided by your macro users, your generator will not help you, but Boost 
> PP will, and it will help you tremendously.
>
> As an example, the implementation of typeof emulation in Boost.Typeof 
> would not be possible without Boost PP (or a similar library).

Second thing, it's just plain more convenient.  Instead of writing your own 
code generator as a separate app, then including it in the build process, 
you just deal with all the code generation right in your source file.  If 
you are writing a library, especialy header-only library, you would not want 
to tell your users they need to install an additional application, and 
include it in their build process, just to use your lib.

I guess this is why Boost PP is used so extensively by other Boost 
libraries.

Regards,
Arkadiy