From: ryer@inmet.inmet.com
Subject: Re: Wanted: C to Ada translator
Date: 19 Feb 90 14:16:00 GMT [thread overview]
Message-ID: <20600034@inmet> (raw)
In-Reply-To: 4727@aplcen.apl.jhu.edu
Re Automatic translation:
There are two approaches:
1. Brute Force Approach
Takes C and generates Ada approximately line for line. Uses unchecked
conversion of integers to access types and back to handle nearly
every C construct. The generated Ada code is guaranteed to be less
maintainable, less portable, and less efficient. Removes any trace
of good software engineering that was in the input C. About 3/4 of
the comments in the code still make sense, and only 10% are diabolically
misleading.
I believe there are several companies selling these.
2. High Quality Approach:
Takes C and generates a good Ada program. C types that were conceptually
enumerations become enumerations. Deduces appropriate abstract types.
Produces a logical separate compilation structure. Uses generics where
sensible. Resultant program is more maintainable, equally or more
portable, and at least as efficient.
I don't believe that any of these exist.
Your selection of one of these approaches will be driven by your
objectives in doing the translation.
Mike Ryer
Intermetrics, Inc.
prev parent reply other threads:[~1990-02-19 14:16 UTC|newest]
Thread overview: 2+ messages / expand[flat|nested] mbox.gz Atom feed top
1990-02-16 19:35 Wanted: C to Ada translator Robert A. Levene
1990-02-19 14:16 ` ryer [this message]
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