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- [/==============================================================================
- Copyright (C) 2001-2011 Joel de Guzman
- Copyright (C) 2001-2011 Hartmut Kaiser
- Distributed under the Boost Software License, Version 1.0. (See accompanying
- file LICENSE_1_0.txt or copy at http://www.boost.org/LICENSE_1_0.txt)
- ===============================================================================/]
- [section Preface]
- [heading The Spirit Repository]
- The __spirit__ repository is a community effort collecting different reusable
- components (primitives, directives, grammars, etc.) for __qi__ parsers and
- __karma__ generators. All components in the repository have been peer reviewed
- and/or discussed on the __spirit_list__. The aim is to broaden the scope of the
- __spirit__ library while being able to maintain its high standards in terms of
- code quality, flexibility, and maintainability. At the same time it encourages
- people to contribute even small components as it lessens the hurdle of becoming
- a __boost__ and __spirit__ author.
- Maintainability of the code and author commitment over a longer period of time
- are crucial for /Spirit's/ success (as it is for the whole __boost__ project).
- That allows the repository to play an additional role in terms of being a
- proving ground for interested authors. It is a lot easier to remove code from
- the repository than from the /Spirit/ core library. So if an author can't
- maintain his/her contribution anymore for any reason, we are able to remove
- those parts from the repository more easily.
- The repository is an excellent way of evolving things. The /Spirit/ core has
- been developed for years, so we have a certain confidence of it being properly
- designed and exposing a proven API. On the other hand, new ideas often need
- some time to 'come to the point'. Changing API's is part of this business. At
- the same time changing API's always mean user disruption, which we want to keep
- to a minimum. Again, changing things in the repository is ought to be a lot
- easier than in the core library.
- The quality of contributions is another key to success. That includes not only
- the code itself, but takes into consideration such things as documentation,
- tests, examples. The authors activity on the mailing list is related as well,
- it's an important point. Only well supported things will evolve over time into
- usable, high quality components. The mandatory discussions and the review of
- contributions on the __spirit_list__ ensure the targeted high quality
- standards.
- Based on the user feedback and general usability of things it is possible over
- time to move repository components/grammars into the /Spirit/ core library.
- [heading How to use this manual]
- Some icons are used to mark certain topics indicative of their relevance.
- These icons precede some text to indicate:
- [table Icons
- [[Icon] [Name] [Meaning]]
- [[__note__] [Note] [Generally useful information (an aside that
- doesn't fit in the flow of the text)]]
- [[__tip__] [Tip] [Suggestion on how to do something
- (especially something that not be obvious)]]
- [[__important__] [Important] [Important note on something to take
- particular notice of]]
- [[__caution__] [Caution] [Take special care with this - it may
- not be what you expect and may cause bad
- results]]
- [[__danger__] [Danger] [This is likely to cause serious
- trouble if ignored]]
- ]
- This documentation is automatically generated by Boost QuickBook documentation
- tool. QuickBook can be found in the __boost_tools__.
- [heading Support]
- Please direct all questions to Spirit's mailing list. You can subscribe to the
- __spirit_list__. The mailing list has a searchable archive. A search link to
- this archive is provided in __spirit__'s home page. You may also read and post
- messages to the mailing list through __spirit_general__ (thanks to __gmane__).
- The news group mirrors the mailing list. Here is a link to the archives:
- __mlist_archive__.
- [endsect] [/ Preface]
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