Re: [boost] A possible date for dropping c++03 support

-----Original Message----- From: Boost On Behalf Of Robert Ramey via Boost Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2018 3:17 AM

On 8/25/18 12:51 PM, Mike Dev via Boost wrote:

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From the discussion about abi compatibility when the Boost.System library is compiled e.g. in c++03 mode and then included in ac++11 project or vice versa (https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/boost-developers-archive/EWG5NVOZo_ g)

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When can we drop C++03 support? :D

My understanding has been the boost only requires that libraries be conforming to the current C++ standard. I don't think that requires for support for C++03

I certainly didn't want to claim otherwise as a lot of libraries already require c++11 or later. However, I'm talking about dropping c++03 support in libraries that did support it till now. Considering the strong internal coupling between older boost libraries, an individual library can't drop c++03 support without this decision affecting many, many other boost libraries. And while external users that can't migrate to c++11 have the option to just stick to an older boost version, internal users (aka other boost libraries depending on it) can't do that. So, let's say the maintainer of Boost.iterator wants to drop c++03 support and start using c++11 features. That would mean that at least a dozen or so other libraries that depend on it would suddenly also no longer be c++03 compatible without them having any say in it. If I were a boost library maintainer I'd certain not want to make the switch to c++11 under those conditions, even if I'd do it with a standalone library for which I can just release a new major version. This is, why I think, such a decision needs to be made by all affected maintainers (or at least by most of them) together. Mike

Robert Ramey

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