libs/phoenix/doc/wrap_up.qbk

[/==============================================================================
    Copyright (C) 2001-2010 Joel de Guzman
    Copyright (C) 2001-2005 Dan Marsden
    Copyright (C) 2001-2010 Thomas Heller

    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 Wrap Up]

Sooner or later more FP techniques become standard practice as people find the
true value of this programming discipline outside the academe and into the
mainstream. In as much as structured programming of the 70s and object oriented
programming in the 80s and generic programming in the 90s shaped our thoughts
towards a more robust sense of software engineering, FP will certainly be a
paradigm that will catapult us towards more powerful software design and
engineering onward into the new millennium.

Let me quote Doug Gregor of Boost.org. About functional style programming
libraries:

[:['They're gaining acceptance, but are somewhat stunted by the ubiquitousness
of broken compilers. The C++ community is moving deeper into the so-called "STL-
style" programming paradigm, which brings many aspects of functional programming
into the fold. Look at, for instance, the Spirit parser to see how such function
objects can be used to build Yacc-like grammars with semantic actions that can
build abstract syntax trees on the fly. This type of functional composition is
gaining momentum.]]

Indeed. Phoenix is another attempt to introduce more FP techniques into the
mainstream. Not only is it a tool that will make life easier for the programmer.
In its own right, the actual design of the library itself is a model of true C++
FP in action. The library is designed and structured in a strict but clear and
well mannered FP sense. By all means, use the library as a tool. But for those
who want to learn more about FP in C++, don't stop there, I invite you to take a
closer look at the design of the library itself.

So there you have it. Have fun! See you in the FP world.

[endsect]