Re: [Boost-users] Serialization registration?

From: Jeff Flinn (TriumphSprint2000_at_[hidden])
Date: 2008-03-11 09:24:03

Jerry wrote:
> Hi,
>  
> boost::serialization is wonderful. It has saved a massive amount of 
> effort when adding XML based storage to an existing C++ drawing 
> library. A very big thank you to the author and the team.
>  
> Questions arising:
>  
> 1. After one or two crash & burn cycles i discovered the need to 
> register derived classes in the 'save through a virtual base class 
> pointer' scenario. Right now this is done when saving to/loading from 
> the archive. Is there an alternative to this method that ensures 
> registration occurs automatically? i'm sure this is a FAQ but cannot 
> find a definitive answer.
>  
> i..e
>  
> // XML archive
>  boost::archive::xml_iarchive ia(ifs);
> // ensure derived types are registered - too easy to forget, what's the 
> better way?
>  ia.register_type(static_cast<CDiagramButton*>(NULL));

Look for the BOOST_...EXPORT macros, but they're still not automatic.

> 2. Serializing to a binary storage should be a great way to implement 
> undo/redo and clipboard functionality - has anyone found fame and 
> fortune doing this?

Yes, use the boost::iostream library to create a stream that wraps your 
clipboard or other binary storage.

Jeff Flinn