In this world of computers, Boost is a widely-used C++ library collection, that offers several functionalities that cater to diverse programming needs. Ubuntu users who want to utilize Boost for their projects must understand how to install and use it. This article will help you through the Boost installation procedure on Ubuntu.

What is Boost?

Boost is used in the C++ library that provides support for various tasks and functionality. It includes data structures & algorithms for multithreading and networking. If you are a developer working on Ubuntu and looking for the power of Boost for your projects, you need to install Boost properly. This article will guide you to install Boost on Ubuntu. It will help you to make your system productive and maximize your performance.

Steps to Install Boost on Ubuntu

Step 1: Update and upgrade your system by writing the below command.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: The second step is to install the required tools.

sudo apt install build-essential

Install Boost – 02

Step 3: Go to the official website and download Boost, or you can use the following command to install it directly into the system.

wget https://dl.bintray.com/boostorg/release/1.85.0/source/boost_1_85_0.tar.gz

Step 4: Extract the downloaded Boost.

tar -xzvf boost_1_85_0.tar.gz

Step 5: Go to the directory by using

cd boost_1_85_0

Step 6: Configure your Boost.

./bootstrap.sh --prefix=/usr/local

Step 7: Now install the Boost.

sudo ./b2 install

Step 8: Now it’s time to verify your installation.

#include <boost/version.hpp>
#include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Boost version: " << BOOST_LIB_VERSION << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

Step 9: Save your file with the name boost_test.cpp.

g++ -o boost_test boost_test.cpp -lboost_system

./boost_test

Boost Usage

1. String Manipulation

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
#include <vector>
#include <boost/algorithm/string.hpp>

int main() {
    // Define the string to be split
    std::string str = "hello boost world";
    
    // Vector to hold the tokens after splitting the string
    std::vector<std::string> tokens;
    
    // Split the string based on spaces and store the tokens in the vector
    boost::split(tokens, str, boost::is_any_of(" "));
    
    // Iterate through the tokens and print each one
    for (const auto& token : tokens) {
        std::cout << token << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

2. Filesystem Operations

#include <iostream>
#include <boost/filesystem.hpp>

int main() {
    // Specify the path to the file
    boost::filesystem::path file_path("/path/to/file.txt");
    
    try {
        // Check if the file exists
        if (boost::filesystem::exists(file_path)) {
            std::cout << "File exists!" << std::endl;
        } else {
            std::cout << "File does not exist!" << std::endl;
        }
    } catch (const boost::filesystem::filesystem_error& e) {
        // Catch and handle any filesystem errors
        std::cerr << "Filesystem error: " << e.what() << std::endl;
    } catch (const std::exception& e) {
        // Catch and handle any other exceptions
        std::cerr << "Error: " << e.what() << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

3. Multithreading and Concurrency

#include <boost/thread.hpp>
#include <iostream>

// Function to be executed by the thread.
void thread_function()
{
    std::cout << "Hello from thread!" << std::endl;
}

int main()
{
    try {
        // Create a thread that runs the thread_function.
        boost::thread t(thread_function);

        // Wait for the thread to complete execution.
        t.join();
    }
    catch (const boost::thread_resource_error& e) {
        std::cerr << "Thread creation failed: " << e.what()
                  << std::endl;
    }
    catch (const boost::thread_interrupted&) {
        std::cerr << "Thread interrupted" << std::endl;
    }
    catch (const std::exception& e) {
        std::cerr << "Exception: " << e.what() << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

4. Containers and Data Structures

#include <iostream>
#include <boost/circular_buffer.hpp>

int main() {
    // Create a circular buffer with a capacity for 3 integers.
    boost::circular_buffer<int> buffer(3);
    
    // Add elements to the buffer.
    buffer.push_back(1);
    buffer.push_back(2);
    buffer.push_back(3);
    // Adding the fourth element, which will overwrite the oldest element (1).
    buffer.push_back(4);
    
    // Iterate through the buffer and print each element.
    std::cout << "Buffer elements:" << std::endl;
    for (const auto& elem : buffer) {
        std::cout << elem << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

5. Boost.Asio to resolve a DNS address and establish a TCP connection

#include <boost/asio.hpp>
#include <iostream>

int main()
{
    try {
        // Create an io_context object to handle
        // asynchronous operations.
        boost::asio::io_context io_context;

        // Create a resolver object to resolve the domain
        // name to IP addresses.
        boost::asio::ip::tcp::resolver resolver(io_context);

        // Resolve the domain name "www.example.com" to
        // endpoints.
        boost::asio::ip::tcp::resolver::results_type
            endpoints
            = resolver.resolve("www.example.com", "http");

        // Create a socket object to establish the
        // connection.
        boost::asio::ip::tcp::socket socket(io_context);

        // Connect the socket to one of the resolved
        // endpoints.
        boost::asio::connect(socket, endpoints);

        // Print the resolved endpoints (IP addresses).
        for (const auto& endpoint : endpoints) {
            std::cout << "Resolved IP: "
                      << endpoint.endpoint().address()
                      << std::endl;
        }
    }
    catch (const std::exception& e) {
        std::cerr << "Exception: " << e.what() << std::endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

Boost Advantages

• There are large numbers functionalities including string manipulation, filesystem operation, networking, data structure & algorithm and multithreading offers by Boost. Without having to start from scratch, developers may solve a variety of programming problems thanks to its extensive feature set.
• Boost is designed to be highly portable and works smoothly across different operating systems and compilers. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that code written using Boost can be easily transferred and executed on various platforms without modification.
• Boost libraries are developed and maintained by a community of experienced C++ developers, ensuring high-quality, and well-tested. This reliability gives developers confidence in using Boost for critical and production-level applications.
• Boost is an open-source project released under the Boost Software License, which allows developers to use, modify, and distribute the libraries freely, even in commercial projects.
• Many capabilities and ideas added in Boost have subsequently found their manner into the C++ popular library and language specifications. Boost serves as a checking out floor for brand new ideas and proposals, influencing the evolution of the C++ language and fashionable library in a high quality manner.
• Boost has a massive and energetic community of users and members who provide support, share expertise, and make a contribution to the improvement of the libraries. Additionally, Boost offers complete documentation, which includes tutorials, examples, and reference courses. Making it easy for developers to learn and use the libraries efficaciously.
• Boost is designed with overall performance in thoughts, frequently offering optimized implementations of algorithms and facts structures.

In conclusion, Boost increase your productivity and make the procedure easy. It has many advantages like open source, high performance and cross-platform.

How to install Boost on Ubuntu – FAQs

What is Boost and why should I use it?

Boost is a collection of high quality, cross-platform C++ library. It offers a large number of functionalities and it gives you pre-built solution to command programming challenges.

Is Boost compatible with my operating system and compiler?

Yes, Boost is designed to be portable and works on cross-platform which ensures that your code will work with any operating system.

Is Boost appropriate for both hobbyist and expert development?

Absolutely, Boost is open-source and freely availble which making it handy to developers of all level. Whether you’re working on personal projects, academic research, or commercial packages. Boost offers a large set of libraries and functions to meet your programming needs.

Where can I find documentation and support for Boost?

Boost gives complete documentation, inclusive of tutorials, examples, and reference publications, on its reputable internet site.