on Tue Jul 15 2008, "Robert Ramey" <ramey-AT-rrsd.com> wrote:
I, Robert Ramey, hereby declare:
a) the serialization library to be "frozen". b) the documented interface and symantics will only be extended - not changed without notice. c) should any program which depends upon the published interface and semantics fail to work or stop working - I will acknowledge that this is a BUG and endeavor to fix it. d) Going further (specific to the serialization library) - the intent of the serialization library is that newer version be able to load files saved by all previous versions. Any case where this fails will be acknowledged as a BUG.
I would ask that library authors that cannot make a similar pledge include a disclaimer in thier documentation and header files something on the order of:
"I (the author) expect to make future changes in this library. These changes may have the effect that in the future you're program will fail to compile, link, and/or execute as expected. Since I don't know who might use this library, it is impractical for me to notify you - Sorry about that - Good Luck."
That would permit me as a user to take appropriate precautions.
I'm sure everyone would make the same pledge as you, as long as it has the same back door clause allowing semantic changes "with notice." ;-) At least that's how I read your pledge. If you mean something else you should try to clarify it. -- Dave Abrahams BoostPro Computing http://www.boostpro.com