-----Original Message----- From: Boost [mailto:boost-bounces@lists.boost.org] On Behalf Of Robert Ramey Sent: 24 June 2015 16:40 To: boost@lists.boost.org Subject: Re: [boost] Using Clang compiler in place of GCC
On 6/24/15 8:12 AM, Edward Diener wrote:
It is unnecessarily difficult because the clang developers, like the mingw-64 and mingw developers, cannot be convinced by intelligent programmers that hardcoded paths and the necessity of adding directories to the PATH variable, should not be a necessity for merely compiling/linking source code.
It is sometimes utterly wearying talking to these people, probably quite decent C++ programmers in their own right, and trying to convince them that their "Linux" toolsets on Windows need a better way to be used. They are just stuck in their own ways and usually refuse to budge.
At the same time, because mingw(-64)/gcc and clang are free tools and we are all appreciative of the ability to use them to test out Boost libraries, it is better to be civilized and a bit circumspect when trying to convince them of anything. Remember that these are normally first-rate compilers and their focus is on the compiler itself and not on the usability or documentation of their product.
LOL - I sense frustration here - and I'm totally sympathetic. I was thinking that it was just me becoming an "old person". So reading this makes me feel much better (unless you turn out to be an "old
person" as
well!).
Sorry - I'm guilty - didn't you see my handsome mug shot and guess the in-plain-sight truth? But I think that much of the problem is assuming that users 'just know that'. Even the aged can cope with complexity, but not too much that is just 'obvious'. I fear some Windows-phobia in attitude too (resenting that Windows is very successful, but that the file system and structure has muddied the waters quite gratuitously - did Bill really need to use \ for / ? ). Meanwhile, Windows-phobiacs neglect that there are far more potential users on Windows than on *nixes for many software tools. "If it works on Ubuntu, it is good enough" philosophy. The desire to make things 'just work' has often proved brilliant when it does and a disaster when it doesn't. Bjam/b2 is a good example and my difficulties another. The main way we can make life a little easier is to document the 'obvious' better - but that's boring, and having cleared a hurdle we want to run on to make up for lost time - mea culpa. <rant mode off> Meanwhile re-iterated thanks to Boosters who have got me almost there with Clang 64-bit. Paul --- Paul A. Bristow Prizet Farmhouse Kendal UK LA8 8AB +44 (0) 1539 561830