Ada in Embedded Systems Programming.

[whiting_ms@corning.com (whiting_ms@corning.com (Matt Whiting))]

Has anyone other than me read the most recent edition of "Embedded Systems
Programming" magazine (Vol. 7, Number 11, Nov. 94)?  It contains two
interesting articles: one about Ada directly, and one that uses Ada as the
vehicle to illustrate another point.  I found both very good reading.

I'm a long-time Ada fan trapped in a corporation that went from marginal
to worse (FORTRAN to C).  I found these two articles very refreshing. 
They didn't come across to me as the usual obnoxious "my language is better
than yours" drivel, but rather made some very calm and factual arguments as to
why Ada was chosen for the specific application.

I'm beginning to think that the DOD mandate is very counter productive as a lot
of people seem to get their jollies from telling Uncle Sam to take a hike. 
Maybe if DOD dropped the mandate they would actually ENCOURAGE the commercial
use of Ada (many commercial companies want no association at all with the
military) and maybe even the DOD use.  The military can always simply offer
more promotions to program managers that choose Ada if they really feel the
need for an external incentive.  If the military is anything like civilian
companies, the word will soon get around and people will soon get the hint!  :-)

So ... maybe all you vocal Ada supporters should consider lobbying for
elimination of the mandate and the use of more "personal" incentives for the
use of Ada where it makes good sense.

Maybe we need a few more carrots and a few less sticks...

--
Matthew S. Whiting, P.E.   | PP-ASEL-IA | All opinions expressed herein are
Corning Incorporated       |            | strictly personal.
whiting_ms@corning.com     |            |