Re: Ada Pointer Problem

[aschwarz@acm.org (skidmarks)]

Thank you all. I think that 'Unchecked_Access is probably the answer.

But, to be a little critical, since we want to be really, really safe,
we should provide a unique check/uncheck access for each bit in a
pointer. That way we can be extra-special sure that:
1. The meaning is precise and clear,
2. The program will lack lucidity because of the obtuseness of the
suggestion, and
3. Where one line is suitable in other languages, several are due in
Ada.

And yes, I am frustrated.

A little anecdote. I've followed Ada since it's pre-inception in the
mid-70's, and still have the original SigPlan Green Book. I liked the
idea of Ada and the language of Ada, until 1988. In 1988 I had a
little design problem that I wanted to solve with a pointer. I looked,
and looked, and looked all over the LRM and Ada as a Second Language
(by Cohen) for a pointer. After four hours I found 'Access Type'. It
took four hours to solve a four minute problem. I think because of Ada
snobishnes (we can do better than you can and can do it without using
your keywords or terminology).

I think that I'm better than fair in Ada. I also think that I'm
wasting time on this language. It takes too long to do simple things,
and is a research effort to do the possible but not pedestrian.

Please take this as a critique and not a criticism. I would rather see
improvements than be wasted by flame.

art