This is the mail archive of the
libstdc++@gcc.gnu.org
mailing list for the libstdc++ project.
Re: Removal of pre-ISO C++ items from include/backwards
On Thu, 2007-10-25 at 11:37 -0400, Robert Dewar wrote:
> skaller wrote:
>
> > I think this is the wrong idea. Deprecated does carry a lot
> > of weight. It allows a new compiler without a legacy
> > to elide the feature and specify it is ISO compliant
> > 'minus' the deprecated features, which is quite different
> > from 'non-compliant'.
>
> are you sure? I thought conformance required deprecated features
> to be allowed
yes, it does, but the point is, you can say 'conforms
except deprecated features are removed' in one line.
A standard is a very long winded document with a single
practical purpose -- the ability to say "ISO C++" in two
words and mean 1000 pages by it. It has no other semantic
function than saving paper :)
This makes it very easy for people to make purchasing
or usage choices (instead of having to read 1000 pages
of specifications for every product).
So a list of deprecated features has the purpose of
allowing one to say "ISO C++ minus deprecations"
and expect the resulting compiler is still a good one
to use, particularly if you can convert your compiler
from "ISO C++" to "ISO C++--" with a single switch.
You can view this as a parametrized version is C++,
and so the compiler still judged conformant to a
closely related standard.
--
John Skaller <skaller at users dot sf dot net>
Felix, successor to C++: http://felix.sf.net