using boost

[Peter]

Working on ticket:369 I realize that implementing an iterator is tricky business. The basics such as arithmetics and access operations are pretty straightforward. However, when it gets to conversion from iterator to const_iterator it is less obvious how to solve it. Apparently, it is solved in my implementation of std, and it is solved in ​Boost. In both cases you end up in some tricky metaprogramming. Although, it is quite amusing to delve into this jungle, I am not convinced it is the best idea.

Instead, I would like to start using ​Boost and in particular the ​iterator library. This library has been accepted for the draft of the new standard (C++09), and I think it is a good idea to start using these pseudo-standard libraries. Since adding new requirements is quite a change, I open this ticket to hear what other developers have to say. Are there any sound arguments why not using ​Boost?

Let me hear your thoughts.

[Jari Häkkinen]

How hard will it be to compile yat for external users? Yes, we have at least one (and it is not MG)! On Mac OS X it seems like macports.org offers boost 1.34.x ... so I suppose I am good to go. Aren't we going for boost also in svndigest?

[Peter]

Yes, we have a few tickets in ​svndigest regarding Boost.

I am using Boost in ​Pandai and it trivial to build since Boost provide good autoconf macros.

Since everyone seems positive, I'll prepare my wings to take off. I'll do the appropriate changes in configure.ac and docs.

[Peter]

As of r1324 yat requires Boost