Edward Diener wrote:
Are you sure users want to use individual libraries? Do you see calls for that from users?
I have seen the calls for that from users. The general objection is that downloading/installing monolithic Boost when only a few libraries are needed "seems" wrong.
I haven't seen calls for modular downloads from users on the mailing list http://news.gmane.org/gmane.comp.lib.boost.user Maybe because they have other solutions to the issue, or use bcp? I know we do have a home-made solution in my workplace. Some time ago, it was not possible to move some files to another repository expressly because 'I maintain those files and he maintains that repo - It's not a reasonable situation for me to maintain those files in his repo'. I found that interesting. Anyway: If modular releases/downloads is a goal (I remain convinced it is not a goal for Boost thus far), are there blockers to making it happen?
Are you suggesting the result of such consensus would be forced on Boost maintainers independent of what they may want? That would seem to be a break from the current model of how Boost works.
No. I still believe that things can be done by consensus. Recently a 'meta' directory with some information was added to all Boost libraries. I did not see any uprising against this. So clearly it is possible.
The suggestion that adding meta information is comparable to anything which could be more-intrusive, controversial or bike-sheddable is interesting. I would be surprised if it follows logically. Maybe we'll get a chance to find out. Thanks, Steve.