Editing Boost (C++ libraries) (section)

== Design ==
The libraries are aimed at a wide range of C++ users and application domains. They range from general-purpose libraries like the [[smart pointer]] library, to [[operating system]] abstractions like ''Boost FileSystem'', to libraries primarily aimed at other library developers and advanced C++ users, like the [[template metaprogramming]] (MPL) and [[domain-specific language]] (DSL) creation (Proto).

In order to ensure efficiency and flexibility, Boost makes extensive use of [[template (C++)|templates]]. Boost has been a source of extensive work and research into [[generic programming]] and [[metaprogramming]] in C++.<ref>{{Cite book
 | last1      = Abrahams
 | first1     = David
 | last2      = Gurtovoy
 | first2     = Aleksey
 | title      = C++ Template Metaprogramming: Concepts, Tools, and Techniques from Boost and Beyond
 | publisher  = Pearson Education
 | date       = 10 December 2004
 | pages      = 408
}}</ref>

Most Boost libraries are [[Header file|header]] based, consisting of [[inline function]]s and templates, and as such do not need to be built in advance of their use. Some Boost libraries coexist as independent libraries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://think-async.com/Asio|title=Asio web site}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://boost-spirit.com/home/|title=Spirit web-site}}</ref>