Re: [Boost-users] [program_options] Clearing variables_map

Subject: Re: [Boost-users] [program_options] Clearing variables_map
From: Jason Reich (jreich_at_[hidden])
Date: 2010-04-09 14:08:19

"Vladimir Prus" <vladimir_at_[hidden]> wrote in message 
news:hpmi0m$ei2$1_at_dough.gmane.org...
> Jason Reich wrote:
<snip>
>> Is there some reason why the variables_map can't be cleared and reused?
>
> Why do you think that calling clear() and using the same variables_map 
> again
> will cut down on memory deallocation/reallocation? It does not seem 
> obvious
> to me that it will.
>
> - Volodya

Hi Volodya,
I know there will be memory allocation behind the scenes, but I think it 
would simplify the option processing if each processor could reuse an 
object, rather than having to delete and reallocate one each time a command 
arrives.  Like a regular std::map, the variable_map it can be cleared, but 
it can't be reused.

Also, many of the classes within program_option use private members and 
methods that limit the ability for the classes to be extended.  Is there any 
reason why they weren't made protected to better allow extension?

thanks
Jason.