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Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!inmet!ryer
From: ryer@inmet.inmet.com
Newsgroups: comp.lang.ada
Subject: Re: Wanted: C to Ada translator
Message-ID: <20600034@inmet>
Date: 19 Feb 90 14:16:00 GMT
References: <4727@aplcen.apl.jhu.edu>
Nf-ID: #R:aplcen.apl.jhu.edu:4727:inmet:20600034:000:1083
Nf-From: inmet.inmet.com!ryer    Feb 19 09:16:00 1990
List-Id: <comp.lang.ada>


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.