Win10 now allows symlink creation without elevated privileges
In case the list didn't know, from the Creator's Update onwards Windows 10 allows normal users to create symlinks if the machine is put into Developer mode: https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2016/12/02/symlinks-windows-10/ I don't know about others, but this will be a major time saver for me at least, I had been using hard links on Windows which are prone to accidental data loss. Niall
[...] Windows 10 allows normal users to create symlinks if the machine is put into Developer mode
At least you don't have to be a Microsoft Certified Symlink Creator to use this feature. But does Boost use symlinks for anything in its source tree? I think it's the Cygwin project who are going to be especially (un)happy about this Windows update. —— Pavel K.
On 5/14/2017 7:47 AM, Pavel Kretov via Boost wrote:
[...] Windows 10 allows normal users to create symlinks if the machine is put into Developer mode
At least you don't have to be a Microsoft Certified Symlink Creator to use this feature. But does Boost use symlinks for anything in its source tree?
Boost uses symlinks, when available, to create its 'boost' subdirectory in the source tree. That's what running 'b2 headers' from the Boost root is all about, although I believe this latter is now done automatically when using b2.
I think it's the Cygwin project who are going to be especially (un)happy about this Windows update.
—— Pavel K.
On 14 May 2017, at 14:46, Edward Diener via Boost
wrote: On 5/14/2017 7:47 AM, Pavel Kretov via Boost wrote:
[...] Windows 10 allows normal users to create symlinks if the machine is put into Developer mode At least you don't have to be a Microsoft Certified Symlink Creator to use this feature. But does Boost use symlinks for anything in its source tree?
Boost uses symlinks, when available, to create its 'boost' subdirectory in the source tree. That's what running 'b2 headers' from the Boost root is all about, although I believe this latter is now done automatically when using b2.
I would like to have that confirmed if possible by Boost.Build experts. It is possible it appear to be done automatically, as it did in the past, but did not produce correct (complete) results unless called explicitly. It is certainly desired to be automatic and correct, but take care to state it is so unless you are sure. I think Steven had some intentions to find a solution, but I am not sure it was ever fixed. — Bjørn
AMDG On 05/14/2017 10:02 AM, Bjørn Roald via Boost wrote:
On 14 May 2017, at 14:46, Edward Diener via Boost
wrote: On 5/14/2017 7:47 AM, Pavel Kretov via Boost wrote:
[...] Windows 10 allows normal users to create symlinks if the machine is put into Developer mode At least you don't have to be a Microsoft Certified Symlink Creator to use this feature. But does Boost use symlinks for anything in its source tree?
Boost uses symlinks, when available, to create its 'boost' subdirectory in the source tree. That's what running 'b2 headers' from the Boost root is all about, although I believe this latter is now done automatically when using b2.
I would like to have that confirmed if possible by Boost.Build experts. It is possible it appear to be done automatically, as it did in the past, but did not produce correct (complete) results unless called explicitly. It is certainly desired to be automatic and correct, but take care to state it is so unless you are sure. I think Steven had some intentions to find a solution, but I am not sure it was ever fixed.
The situation is still the same as ever. Most headers will be updated on demand, but headers that are #included through a macro may be missed. symlinks make the situation a bit better as the links never need to updated after they are created. In Christ, Steven Watanabe
participants (5)
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Bjørn Roald
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Edward Diener
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Niall Douglas
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Pavel Kretov
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Steven Watanabe