How to use Pipes with existing STL algorithms like std::copy?

Pipes can act as output iterators: pass a pipe chain (e.g., transform(f) >>= filter(p)) as the output iterator in algorithms. The README shows std::set_difference using pipes directly, avoiding manual iteration.

Pipes vs ranges in C++: which is better for collection processing?

Choose Pipes for push-based operations like forking or multiplexing multiple collections without tuples. Use ranges for lazy evaluation, infinite sequences, or when working with range adaptors. The README notes they are complementary and can be combined.

How to split a data stream to multiple containers with Pipes?

Use the fork pipe to send copies to different destinations, as in the example with push_back to three vectors. For tuples, unzip decomposes pairs/tuples into separate streams.

Can Pipes handle lazy evaluation or infinite data sources?

No, Pipes is push-based and requires finite collections; data is processed as it's sent from a source. For lazy or infinite sequences, ranges are a better fit, as acknowledged in the README.

What's the performance impact of using Pipes over manual loops?

Pipes add abstraction overhead but can improve readability. Performance is comparable to STL algorithms with iterators, but compile-time may increase due to templates. Profile for critical paths.

Is the Pipes library stable enough for production code?

The README warns it's under development and subject to change, so use with caution. Consider forking or pinning versions if stability is crucial, as breaking changes might occur.

Pipes — C++14 Push-Based Pipeline Library

What is Pipes?

Pipes is a header-only C++ library that provides a pipeline abstraction for processing collections with expressive, chainable operations. It allows developers to write clear, functional-style code for transforming, filtering, and routing data through small, reusable components. The library solves the problem of verbose or complex collection manipulation by offering a push-based model where data flows from sources through operations to destinations.

Target Audience

C++ developers working with collections who want to write more readable and maintainable data processing code, especially those interested in functional programming patterns or needing operations beyond standard algorithms.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Pipes for its unique push-based design, which enables operations like forking and multiplexing that are difficult with range adaptors, seamless integration with STL algorithms as output iterators, and a clean, composable syntax that reduces boilerplate.

Pipelines for expressive code on collections in C++

Use Cases

Best For

Transforming and filtering elements of a collection in a single expressive chain
Processing multiple collections simultaneously without manual iteration
Integrating custom pipelines as output iterators for STL algorithms
Splitting data streams to multiple destinations with fork and unzip
Aggregating map or set entries with custom merge logic
Reading from and writing to C++ streams within a processing pipeline

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring lazy evaluation with infinite sequences or generators
Codebases constrained to C++11 or earlier standards (requires C++14)
Production systems needing stable, versioned dependencies (library is under active development)
Environments where compile-time bloat from header-only templates is a critical concern

Pros & Cons

Pros

Expressive Pipeline Syntax

The >>= operator allows clear chaining of operations like transform and filter, reducing boilerplate compared to manual loops or nested STL calls, as shown in the first example with vectors.

Unique Push-Based Operations

Enables fork and unzip for splitting data streams to multiple destinations, which is difficult with pull-based ranges, demonstrated in the branching pipeline example with graphical representation.

Seamless STL Algorithm Integration

Pipes can serve as output iterators for standard algorithms like std::copy, allowing custom pipelines to replace traditional output iterators without modifying algorithm calls.

Built-in Stream Support

Directly reads from input streams and writes to output streams within pipelines, simplifying I/O operations, as seen in the example with std::cin and to_out_stream.

Cons

Unstable Development Status

The README explicitly states the library is 'under development and subject to change,' risking breaking updates and making it less suitable for production code without careful versioning.

No Infinite Range Support

Unlike ranges, Pipes is push-based and requires finite data sources, limiting use cases for lazy or infinite sequences, which the README admits as a range capability pipes can't do.

Header-Only Compile Overhead

Being a template-heavy header-only library, it can increase compilation times and code bloat compared to compiled alternatives, especially in large projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pipes?

Target Audience

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Transforming and filtering elements of a collection in a single expressive chain
Processing multiple collections simultaneously without manual iteration
Integrating custom pipelines as output iterators for STL algorithms
Splitting data streams to multiple destinations with fork and unzip
Aggregating map or set entries with custom merge logic
Reading from and writing to C++ streams within a processing pipeline

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring lazy evaluation with infinite sequences or generators
Codebases constrained to C++11 or earlier standards (requires C++14)
Production systems needing stable, versioned dependencies (library is under active development)
Environments where compile-time bloat from header-only templates is a critical concern

Pros & Cons

Pros

Expressive Pipeline Syntax

The >>= operator allows clear chaining of operations like transform and filter, reducing boilerplate compared to manual loops or nested STL calls, as shown in the first example with vectors.

Unique Push-Based Operations

Enables fork and unzip for splitting data streams to multiple destinations, which is difficult with pull-based ranges, demonstrated in the branching pipeline example with graphical representation.

Seamless STL Algorithm Integration

Pipes can serve as output iterators for standard algorithms like std::copy, allowing custom pipelines to replace traditional output iterators without modifying algorithm calls.

Built-in Stream Support

Directly reads from input streams and writes to output streams within pipelines, simplifying I/O operations, as seen in the example with std::cin and to_out_stream.

Cons

Unstable Development Status

The README explicitly states the library is 'under development and subject to change,' risking breaking updates and making it less suitable for production code without careful versioning.

No Infinite Range Support

Unlike ranges, Pipes is push-based and requires finite data sources, limiting use cases for lazy or infinite sequences, which the README admits as a range capability pipes can't do.

Header-Only Compile Overhead

Being a template-heavy header-only library, it can increase compilation times and code bloat compared to compiled alternatives, especially in large projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pipes

What is Pipes?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Pipes

What is Pipes?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?