From: Paul Baxter (pauljbaxter_at_[hidden])
Date: 2008-03-11 05:47:32
> What is the status of the Boost.Property_tree library? I notice it is now
> in the SVN trunk. Does this mean it will be part of the next release?
>
> <https://svn.boost.org/svn/boost/trunk/boost/property_tree/>
I really like the simplicity of this library but this is about the third or
fourth request in the last few months without a reply.
This is not a slight on the original author or this library, but it does
bring up the more general question..
Does boost really want to put an 'unsupported' new library into a release?
I'd suggest the release manager consider leaving such libraries in the
sandbox if they haven't got a commitment from an individual and they haven't
yet been incorporated in a release. A first release is likely to shake down
a library more than the review process and it is at this point the author or
perhaps a maintainer is valuable. Indeed many libraries change radically
enough after the review that they often benefit tremendously from the
shakedown that first release gives them.
Perhaps new libs need a named sponsor as an entry criterion for
incorporation?
I also appreciate that the current monolithic boost release cycle can be
difficult for new library authors to make a commitment to in advance. Hence
the sponsor may not necessarily be the author.
Once 'in', inevitably some maintainers will move on. I am grateful for their
efforts and the library will then sink or swim on its merits. The issue of
what to do or document for such libraries is not one I intended to cover in
this email.