* Wanted: C to Ada translator
@ 1990-02-16 19:35 Robert A. Levene
1990-02-19 14:16 ` ryer
0 siblings, 1 reply; 2+ messages in thread
From: Robert A. Levene @ 1990-02-16 19:35 UTC (permalink / raw)
I am interested in translating C source code to Ada source code.
Are there any programs, either available or vaporware, which perform
this translation?
I would appreciate suggestions and advice by e-mail, and I'll
summarize to the net if there is sufficient interest.
Rob
Robert A. Levene ARPA Internerd: levene@aplcomm.jhuapl.edu
The Johns Hopkins University BITHEAD: RXL1@APLVM
Applied Physics Laboratory Disclaimer: I never even claimed 'er
^ permalink raw reply [flat|nested] 2+ messages in thread
* Re: Wanted: C to Ada translator
1990-02-16 19:35 Wanted: C to Ada translator Robert A. Levene
@ 1990-02-19 14:16 ` ryer
0 siblings, 0 replies; 2+ messages in thread
From: ryer @ 1990-02-19 14:16 UTC (permalink / raw)
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.
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