move to gtest

[kumaakh]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
https://cpp.libhunt.com/compare-boost-test-vs-googletest-google

Describe the solution you'd like
instead of boost.test we should use gtest

Describe alternatives you've considered
https://linuxhint.com/unit-test-frameworks-cpp/

Additional context
gtest seems to be more populat hence more community supported

[kumaakh]

🔍 Deep Analysis - Large Undertaking

Issue: Migrate from Boost.Test to Google Test

Age: Aug 2023 (2.5 years old)

Related PRs:

• cpp17 modernization  #433 cpp17 modernization (open)
• Replace Boost with C++17 standard library #432 Replace Boost with C++17 (open)

Critical Assessment:

• This is a massive undertaking - hundreds of test files
• Boost.Test is working fine, this is cosmetic/preference
• No functional benefit, just "gtest is more popular"
• The C++17 modernization PRs (Replace Boost with C++17 standard library #432, cpp17 modernization  #433) are related but also stale

Reality Check:

• ApraPipes has ~100+ test files using Boost.Test
• Migration would take weeks of effort
• Zero functional improvement
• Would break existing developer workflows

Recommendation:

• Close this issue - it's not worth the effort
• Boost.Test works, is well-supported, and is already in place
• "More popular" is not a valid technical reason for massive refactoring
• If you really want modern C++, the effort should go to actual features, not test frameworks

Impact: Zero user impact, high developer effort, negative ROI