on Sat Nov 22 2008, Vladimir Prus <ghost-AT-cs.msu.su> wrote:
We presently have 3 ways of building C++ Boost from top-level directory:
- with 'stage' target -- only libraries are installed - with 'install' target -- both libraries and headers are installed - with no explicit target -- everything is built, but nothing installed
It seems to me that the first two options are what the majority of users will want, so some of them should be the default. I have a local patch that makes 'stage' the default,
Good choice.
and additionally prints the following message:
Performing 'stage' build by default: - binaries installed into 'stage/lib'
Could you change that to an absolute path for clarity and use backslashes when on windows?
- headers not installed, use the source tree
"Use the source tree" is not descriptive enough, IMO. I suggest, e.g., "place </absolute/path/of/current/dir> in your #include path to compile successfully."
Use the 'install' target for complete installation.
I think "Use the 'install' target" is also not descriptive enough. Some people just won't know what it means to "use" a "target." "Build the 'install' target" would be better, but I suggest "``bjam install'' will install headers and libraries in standard system locations (or under a --prefix directory of your choice)."
This message is printed only if no explicit target is specified -- if user types 'stage' or 'install', it's assumed he knows what he's doing.
Makes sense.
Anybody has any comments on this change in defaults, or about the wording of the message?
I think it's headed in the right direction. Good work! -- Dave Abrahams BoostPro Computing http://www.boostpro.com