Re: problems/risks due to programming language, stories requested

[eaker@sunbelt.crd.ge.com (Charles E Eaker)]

In article <8211@hubcap.clemson.edu> billwolf%hazel.cs.clemson.edu@hubcap.clemson.edu writes:
>From hammondr@sunroof.crd.ge.com (Richard A Hammond):
>%    | | In the switching software (written in C), there was a long
>%    | | "do . . . while" construct, which contained
>%    | |    a "switch" statement, which contained 
>%    | |       an "if" clause, which contained a
>%    | |          "break," which was intended for
>%    | |       the "if" clause, but instead broke from
>%    | |    the "switch" statement.
>> 
>> Which doesn't support any conclusion other than the programmer didn't know
>> the language.
>
>   Not exactly.  There is a lack of orthogonality in that similar
>   flow-of-control constructs do not terminate in similar ways.  If
>   one is using the if statement, termination is automatic.  If one 
>   is using the switch statement, a break is required.  It is this
>   lack of orthogonality which leads to potential problems.

Ok, so the implied orthogonality of Ada means that, without putting
a whole lot of thought into it, I can map the above C outline to
Ada as follows:

  In the switching software (TRANSLATED to Ada), there was a long
   "LOOP" construct, which contained
      a "CASE" statement, which contained 
         an "IF" clause, which contained an
            "EXIT," which was intended for
         the "IF" clause, but instead broke from
      the "LOOP" statement.

and if there's a mistake here, it's because of the lack of orthogonality
of Ada (which we all know is laughable) rather than any misunderstanding
of the language on my part. Right?  Hmm, maybe I'll stop working in Ada
and go back to C. I like the idea of the language taking the wrap for
what some misguided souls have viewed as my mistakes.  But wait! Maybe
I can stick with Ada. All I have to do is show, somehow, that Ada is
not all that orthogonal ... hmm ...

--
Chuck Eaker                                |  eaker@sunbelt.crd.ge.com
Software Engineering Program               |  eaker@crdgw1.UUCP
GE Corporate Research & Development Center |  (518) 387-5964
P.O. Box 8, K-1 3C12 Schenectady, NY 12301 |  8*833-5964