Re: [boost] Let's stop distributing binaries

On 8/29/18 9:07 AM, Olaf van der Spek via Boost wrote:

On Wed, Aug 29, 2018 at 4:53 PM, Robert Ramey via Boost wrote:

...

The fact is that users of boost use compilers with differing levels of C++ standard conformance. This creates a number of problems including (but probably not limited to)

a) Using libraries built with different levels of C++ conformance may create ABI issues.

b) it creates a discussion about "dropping C++03 support". Actually it creates a discussion about that the above actually means.

c) It's motivated a suggestion that all libraries move to header only. This is not great idea - but I won't address that here.

I believe all these issues - and more - would disappear if we just stopped distributing binaries.

Why do you think so? It doesn't solve A, B or C.

a) since the user would be compiling everything with his own favorite compiler with the -std setting he desires, There would be no ABI issues. b) LOL - It's been stated numerous times that the the Boost policy is that a library must only be compatible with the currently release C++ standard. This makes the discussion of "dropping C++03" support non-sensical an pointless. But the question keeps arising. So I'll have to conceded you're right here. Nothing will likely resolve this issue. c) I'm presuming the suggestion of Header only libraries is at least in part due to the fact that it would address a) above. That is, any issues related to ABI would go away. That's why I think so. Robert Ramey