Re: [boost] C++03 / C++11 compatibility question for compiled libraries

On 2/11/2018 8:25 AM, Paul A. Bristow via Boost wrote:

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-----Original Message----- From: Boost [mailto:boost-bounces@lists.boost.org] On Behalf Of degski via Boost Sent: 09 February 2018 20:56 To: boost Cc: degski Subject: Re: [boost] C++03 / C++11 compatibility question for compiled libraries

On 9 February 2018 at 14:48, Edward Diener via Boost wrote:

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The issue with Boost Test is that if it now requires a C++11 level compiler to use it, every library which tests itself using Boost Test now requires a C++11 level compiler to run its tests.

So, unless this requirement is lifted, the Rubicon has already been crossed...

In a sense, yes, but Boost.Test C++03 from release 1.66 still exists.

That does little good for testing latest changes.

So those who stay with C++03 won't be able to rely on the tester-runners to test updated libraries, but they can still use Boost.Test C++03 to run the test themselves - if they care.

I would find it a bit alarming if testing a Boost library, which uses Boost Test as its testing infrastructure, can no longer be done in C++03 mode for various compilers. Boost would basically be saying to end-users, if you are using such-and-such a library we can no longer test it in C++03 mode. Since I offered my solution to this quandary with CXXD, and since I have seen no solution in this thread that is better than what I offered, it is useless for me to comment further about trying to solve the problem. But Boost should understand exactly what they are telling end-users if this change has been made or will be made to Boost Test.

Or they can freeze their Boost version completely continuing with the bugs they know and love.

I suspect the Laggards will just muddle on?

Meanwhile the Modernizers can muddle forward - it clearly isn't straightforward.

I think that the current process is working OK just as Daniel James's updated guidance (good - thanks) suggests

https://beta.boost.org/development/requirements.html#Backwards_compatibility

Paul

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Paul