Why not using [] instead of () for array?

[byhoe@greenlime.com (Adrian Hoe)]

I had a possibly fruitful discussion (a long one and solely discussed
about using Ada for joint-project) with a number of possible
co-workers this weekend. When I showed them a piece of Ada source
code, one (only) question was asked by these friends and I didn't know
exactly the answer.

"Why not use [] instead of () for array in Ada?"

Two reasons for [] is preferred to ():

1. More clarity, certainly leads to more readability.

2. More distinguishable from functions parameters and leads to 1.


Example 1
=========
matrix (1 .. 100);

compares to

matrix [1 .. 100];


Example 2
=========

do_matrix (8);

a := matrix (8);

compares to

do_matrix (8);

a:= matrix [8];

where do_matrix is a procedure (or can be function) which takes an
integer parameter to refer an array. Notice the use of matrix [8]
instantly distingusihes itself from a function/procedure with
parameter(s) compares to matrix (8).

I don't know if this has been discussed before. But I think this is a
good question. What exactly the reason for using () rather than []? I
strongly believe a strong reason exists which I don't know. Anyone?

                              -- Adrian Hoe
                              -- http://greenlime.com/users/adrian.hoe