Re: boost again

Kristian G. Kvilekval writes:

> http://boost.org/
> 
> Does anybody have any negative experiences using these
> libraries?  I am considering some extensions
> that would use some of these libraries (filesystem, smart_ptr,
> format) wanted to know if anybody has any serious objections
> to them (i.e. they won't compile).   

I have no specific objections, just some general thoughts.  Acquiring a 
dependency on an external library or an API should only be done when that 
presents a clear, specific benefit, or you'll end up getting something that 
you can't get in any other way, without major work.

Otherwise, you now become dependent on the external API or library.  You've 
touched on one particular aspect of that: any bugs, or other overt issues. 
But there are other issues as well.

I have a dependency on Berkeley DB API, and I find that to be utterly 
obnoxious.  The only way I manage to get by having an alternative to compile 
for the GDBM API.

The problem with Berkeley DB is that Sleepycat changes the API any time they 
damn feel like it.  It used to be that they promised to only change the API 
on major versions.  They proceeded to do three times, in comparatively quick 
succession.  And the fourth time they changed the API was in a minor point 
release (4.1.25).  Duh.

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