Sohail Somani writes:

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-----Original Message----- From: boost-users-bounces@lists.boost.org [mailto:boost-users-bounces@lists.boost.org] On Behalf Of Aubrey, Jason

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Note1: I've no idea if a formal name for this pattern exists, if not it does now :) Note2: I recognize the security issues with this; however, if it's truly an issue I suppose the pImpl (i.e. pointer to implementation) idiom can be used in tandom so things are truly private from the client.

I just wonder: whats the big deal with breaking all the encapsulation rules to do unit tests?

Do you mean: "why are people breaking encapsulation rules for unit tests?" or "why do people worry about breaking encapsulation rules for unit tests?" If 1), the answer is "to write unit tests that directly test private member functions and examine private member data"; in effect, "white box" testing where the test can look at the guts of the thing being tested and see what's happening. if 2), I'm not worried at all about doing it, and I don't think anyone else is, either. The question I originally asked, and to which I've gotten many good answers, was not "should I" but "what techniques are other people using to" do it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dave Steffen, Ph.D. Software Engineer IV Disobey this command! Numerica Corporation ph (970) 419-8343 x27 fax (970) 223-6797 - Douglas Hofstadter dgsteffen@numerica.us ___________________ Numerica Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are intended only for the individual or entity to which the message is addressed. It is proprietary and may contain privileged information. If you are neither the intended recipient nor the agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, retransmission, dissemination, or taking of any action in reliance upon, the information in this communication is strictly prohibited, and may be unlawful. If you feel you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by returning this Email to the sender and deleting it from your computer.