Which C++ signals/slots library should I choose?

kshahar_33982 0
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I want to use a signals/slots library in a project that doesn't use QT. I have pretty basic requirements:

  1. Connect two functions with any number of parameters.
  2. Signals can be connected to multiple slots.
  3. Manual disconnection of signal/slot connection.
  4. Decent performance - the application is frame-based (i.e. not event-based) and I want to use the connections in each frame.

I've read a comparison between libsigc++ and Boost.Signals. I've also read that Boost.Signals suffers from poor performance. However, I know there are other libraries and I'm still not sure which library should I choose.

Are there any recommendations for a signals/slots library?

signals-slots boost c++
11 Answers

First, try with boost::signal anyway. Don't assume it will not be fast enough until you try in your specific case that is your application

If it's not efficient enough, maybe something like FastDelegate will suit your needs? (i did'nt try it but heard it was a nice solution in some cases where boost::signal don't seem to suit).

Anyway, if in your application use the signal each frame, it may be worth to replace the signal system by something more simple, like a container that hold objects/functors that will be called each frame. Signal is more made to allow immediate "events" management than to make a loop cycle dynamic (allowing changing the functions called each frame). (I have my own solution (UPDATE: it's very old and archaic now) that i heavily use in a game and for instance i've no problem with the performance, so maybe something similar could help).

Klaim_23680

I would vote for Sigslots, I have tried a couple of the other alternatives (boost, libsig++, FastDelegates) and none seemed to do just what I wanted: binding functions together in an anonymous way with automatic on-object-destruction disconnect.

Sigslots was great for us because it is perfectly readable C++, it is fast, simple, and does the job without getting in the way. One minor thing, if you want to use it from several libraries you might need to add:

COREEXTERN template class COREIMPEXP has_slots<SIGSLOT_DEFAULT_MT_POLICY>;

to avoid already-defined-object-related linking issues.

Rodrigo_Lopez_362950

I've used libsigc++ before, and it was pretty straightforward. I don't think it would have much in the way of performance penalties, and indeed I learned to like using slots instead of function pointers in a few places.

One thing to be aware of was that as of the last time I used it (2+ years ago), it was limited to a max of six parameters being passed through the connections.

I don't have any experience with the boost library, so I can't help you there.

cjhuitt_98760

I have not used libsig++ but I've read up on it. My previous experience with signals and slots are from Qt and a little from Boost. If you don't have either of them available then you can try out my own signal and slots library (ksignals) that exist both for embedded code (no dynamic memory allocation) and "normal" c++ code (dynamic memory allocation when connecting).

You can find it at : www.kjellkod.cc/signalandslots

At the the page you can also find a comparison: KSignals Vs Boost signals.

Speed vise ksignals is very fast and extremely lightweight code wise. It should be very easy to use, understand and if needed to modify it.

Good luck Regards Kjell H

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