Re: maximum number of lines per spec (was: Bases 1.52)

[Marin David Condic <nobody@noplace.com>]

I generally don't like arbitrary length constraints, but if you have to 
have one, why not aim for something a little more "functional" rather 
than number of lines? Say that a spec should not include more than a 
dozen types or two dozen subprograms as a goal - and overshooting the 
goal only means review & justification?

MDC


M�rio Amado Alves wrote:

> 
> 
> You're right in principle of course, but the problem is that the
> problem is not perfectly defined a priori in the case of containers
> i.e. the range of possible extensions of the problem is still wide and
> saying 50 lines is one way of focusing on one region of that range.
> 
> Ada.String.Unbounded is so big because of all the (a) combinations
> with String and Character for construction and conversion, and (b)
> pairs procedure/function for the same operation.  In the case of a
> generic container package (a) is reduced if not eliminated.  And (b)
> is not essential, and can be rethinked considering other forces at
> play (including desired sizes).
> 
> All existing generic container packages have an essential signature
> that fits well within 50 lines.
> 
> Anyway you're right if you permit the future standard to be any number
> of pages long. Just note there might be objections to this from the
> educational world at least. I for one.
> 
> Another force at play here is the general proposal to have a *minimal*
> standard and a *big* Conventional Ada Library (outside the standard
> but supported by a strong coalition of users and compiler vendors).


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Marin David Condic
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