Re: Is Linux right for Embedded?

[bgeer@xmission.xmission.com (bgeer)]

"Marin David Condic" <dont.bother.mcondic.auntie.spam@[acm.org> writes:
 >I've used Ada to build jet and rocket engine controls with no COTS OS (bare
 >machine - our own "executive") where failure was not an option. Compared to
 >other languages we used, we got a doubling of productivity and a four-fold
 >reduction in errors. We considered it a major step forward in reliability &
 >could see no reason to go elsewhere.

I participated in building a F16 radar simulator using no OS, C, &
TMS320C30 processors running in parallel.  We had a good team willing
to listen to those of us with extensive realtime experience.  The
result was a system that could run essentially 24/7.  Ok, so this
thing will never really fly nor kill anyone if it fails, but the fact
is one can craft C code that doesn't fail.

I also participated in an ADA based project that had a small team of
"insiders" who wouldn't listen to "outsiders" & the result was worse
code & less reliability.  This *was* a system meant to fly.

Good coders can write good code regardless of language.  Language
won't make marginal coders, marginal coding teams, or bad design any
better.


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