Re: += in ada

[Wes Groleau <groleau@freeshell.org>]

Russ wrote:
> Yes, I realize that the issue is complex and many "higher-level"
> problems exist, such as lack of standard libraries, development tools,
> etc. But then you have to ask why those problems developed in the
> first place. I just think that the root cause of Ada's lack of
> popularity, when you get right down to it, is the awkward syntax,

I don't think Ada's alleged "awkward syntax"
is a reason for its unpopularity.  I think that's
a rationalization (i.e., excuse) cooked up by folks
who either don't know or won't admit the real reasons
they don't like it.

As for the lack of libraries, the reason is not
Ada's lack of popularity.  The reasons are:

1. Some of the libraries wanted are not in great
    demand in Ada's original primary problem domain.

2. At one time, even though Ada made it very easy
    to re-use code, contract rules made it difficult.

3. At one time, mandated development methods also
    made it difficult to reuse code.  If it didn't
    _exactly_ meet project requirements, the project
    couldn't use it.

4. The safety-mindedness of Ada folks sometimes
    manifested as not trusting anything that didn't
    jump through the exact hoops of "OUR" process.

5. When (3) and (4) did not apply, sometimes
    people thought they did apply.

probably lots more. ...

-- 
Wes Groleau
    "Would the prodigal have gone home if
     the elder brother was running the farm?"
                       -- James Jordan