Re: [Opencxx-users] scriptable code generation

[Grzegorz J. <ja...@ac...>]

Stefan Seefeld wrote:
> hi there,
> 
> many moons ago we have discussed whether or not it would
> be useful to expose the OpenC++ API to python and thus
> to allow to drive the process of parsing and code generation
> to be scripted.
> 
> As part of synopsis I'v done some experimentation, and
> attached to this mail are some first results. The file
> is a python script that uses python modules 'PTree',
> 'SymbolLookup', and 'Processor' to access the respective
> APIs directly (this implements the design I posted earlier
> last summer).
> This particular example looks for function definitions
> and inserts comments containing the function's name
> at the beginning of each function block.
> 
> Beside the advantage we had discussed earlier to remove
> the need for (portable) management of sub-processes, dynamic
> modules, etc., there are also other advantages I can see:
> 
> With such a scripting approach, I'm seriously wondering
> whether there is still a need to 'augment' the code in-place,
> essentially changing the programming language.

I see a lot of confusion here. There is no need to use any language 
extensions in order to use OpenC++ framework or OpenC++Core library.

> Why not store the rules that drive the code manipulation
> outside the code, as part of the script that drives the
> processor ?

This is what OpenC++ framework does today, except that it uses (vanila) 
C++ instead of scripting languages.

> I have got quite positive comments from users who expressed
> concern that the form of metaprogramming promoted by OpenC++
> would require users not only to be expert in C++, but also
> to know the additional dialects to use to drive the code
> generation.

It is a pity that you do not give names and quotes. I also wonder why I 
am not seeing these concerns on this list. Chiba designed really sound 
model that serves many people well over many years, perhaps your users 
are missing something. I am expressing the concern that you are 
spreading FUD about OpenC++ model.

> What is the advantage
> of this form of metaprogramming as opposed to scriptable
> code manipulation driven by external rules ?

Very nice idea. If you want to go ahead and add it to OpenC++ that would 
be great. But the code you are posting is not usable with OpenC++ as far 
as I can see, only with Synopsis. And Synopsis has locked its 
OpenC++-derived code under the license that makes it impossible for 
OpenC++ to leverage the code etc. etc. This issue has been beaten to 
death on this forum. Your posting is Synopsis-specific material (not to 
mention the fact that by spreading FUD clearly harms OpenC++ project). I 
asked you several times not to post messages of this kind here, but you 
seem not to understand. This is the last time I am asking you.

Regards
Grzegorz