Feature request: View-type for numbers

[liss-h]

Hi there, is there any plan to have a "view" type for numbers? (I.e. something like what std::string_view is to std::string)?

The usecase we had in mind would be a type "views" into the internals of a boost multiprecision number stored in some user defined backend storage, and is primarily used for the purpose of abstracting away the allocator on the backend-frontend interface boundary (like std::basic_string_view<char, char_traits> can do for std::basic_string<char, char_traits, alloc>). I know, that is potentially quite a niche usecase.

So, basically 3 questions:

1. Like I asked on top: Is there already a plan to implement something like this?
2. If there isn't any plan: Would you accept a contribution?
3. If you do accept contributions: Do you foresee any major blockers that would prevent the implementation of that feature?

[mborland]

1. Like I asked on top: Is there already a plan to implement something like this?

I am not aware of any plan for this feature.

2. If there isn't any plan: Would you accept a contribution?

Contributions are always welcome.

3. If you do accept contributions: Do you foresee any major blockers that would prevent the implementation of that feature?

The language standard is C++14, and if you use any boost features (e.g. Boost string_view) make sure that they can be contextually disabled with BOOST_MP_STANDALONE to keep the standalone mode functioning.