Documentation about design and implementation
Hi I have recently installed Boost 1.36. I am right now experimenting with the Boost.thread library primarily for the purpose of learning and I am trying to use them in the project I am working. I also wish to learn to use asio and interprocess libraries in near future. I have gone through the documentation about how to use the thread library, but I guess there is nothing mentioned about its design and implementation. The only reason I am interested in some documentation related to its design and implementation is purely for learning purpose. As Boost libraries are designed mostly by experts, I would like to broaden my horizons "on how to design". I would not like to be just a user of such expertly designed libraries and would like to learn the ins of designing. Also going through the code would I guess improve my skills. I did read some include files and also installed cscope on my linux box so that I can go through code easily but its too hard for me to comprehend why the things ie code is written the way it is. Is some documentation related to implementation of the library available ? I guess no ? Do we just have to comprehend by reading the code ? Are there some tips for reading the code ( I am even unable to find which file to start from, I am still a newbie ) I just need some tips and guidance. Thanks & Regards Kartik Mahajan
On Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 10:59 AM, Kartik Mahajan
Is some documentation related to implementation of the library available ? I guess no ? Do we just have to comprehend by reading the code ?
Hi Kartik Without wishing to sound unhelpful, the quick answer to this is "Yes", you do just comprehend by reading the code! Having said that, if you have specific questions about why things are done a certain way in a certain library, most library authors are very helpful and willing to explain. Ultimately however, the Boost libraries are about developing high-quality, peer reviewed libraries, and not about coaching or mentoring. I would suggest simply using a few of the libraries, thinking about their design, considering alternatives, considering how you might have approached the design, and comparing it with what the authors actually did. There is huge value to be gained from the libraries, both using them and understanding them, but it is not always easily accessable. HTH. - Rob. -- ACCU - Professionalism in programming - http://www.accu.org
Kartik Mahajan wrote:
Hi
Hi
The only reason I am interested in some documentation related to its design and implementation is purely for learning purpose. As Boost libraries are designed mostly by experts, I would like to broaden my horizons “on how to design”. I would not like to be just a user of such expertly designed libraries and would like to learn the ins of designing. Also going through the code would I guess improve my skills.
...
Is some documentation related to implementation of the library available ? I guess no ? Do we just have to comprehend by reading the code ?
Are there some tips for reading the code ( I am even unable to find which file to start from, I am still a newbie )
One suggestion is to while learning it, write and publish a primer on how it works. This way you will be reinforcing what you are learning and providing a useful tool for others who wish to know how it works. Alex
participants (3)
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Alex Adranghi -
Kartik Mahajan -
Robert Jones