Re: [Boost-users] Is this a known bug in lexical_cast<double> ?

Subject: Re: [Boost-users] Is this a known bug in lexical_cast<double> ?
From: Robert Ramey (ramey_at_[hidden])
Date: 2015-07-15 19:16:59

On 7/15/15 3:35 PM, Jeff Flinn wrote:
> On 7/13/15 1:26 PM, TILLMAN, MICHAEL D9 wrote:
>> We're using boost 1.51. Management is reluctant to upgrade because the
>> software is for manned space flight and our current boost version has
>> been stable.

I have an absolutely HUGE problem with this quote.  C/C++ is not an 
inherently safe language.  It has lots of undefined behavior and 
differences between implementations.  If you're making a critical 
project you CANNOT just take a library off the shelf and start using it. 
  Actually I cannot even regulations internal and external even permit 
this this.  Your "Management" is shirking it's responsibility to protect 
human life.

Here's what you SHOULD be doing

a) update your boost installation from time to time.

b) Build your own libraries from the boost distribution

c) Run the whole test suite with your compile/build settings.

d) Review your application requirements.  Verify that each requirement 
(which is usually explicit) is covered by at least one test program in 
the test suite for that library.  If there isn't such test, write your 
own and add it to your local boost installation.  If you want to be 
social, you might consider submitting to the library author through a 
git pull request.

As far as I'm concerned, the policy you're not using - just not change 
anything because things are working amounts to using human cargo as 
human guinea pigs.

BTW - other shops - not just those carrying human cargo should be doing 
this.  It would make their life easier.

Robert Ramey