Re: Ada is almost useless in embedded systems

[adaworks@netcom.com (AdaWorks)]

John McCabe (john@assen.demon.co.uk) wrote:
: I believe that Ada is badly designed with respect to interfacing to
: hardware and because of this should not be recommended for use in
: embedded systems.

  There have been truly abominable embedded systems project deployed
  written in Ada.  One could say the same of C, assembler and Forth.

  There are truly excellent embedded systems deployed written in Ada.
  This is also true of C, assembler, and Forth.

  The question, "Can Ada be used for the construction of well-performing
  embedded systems," is no longer a valid question. There are enough 
  operational systems in place to answer, "Yes."  

  We have no need to prove, through argument, whether Ada is appropriate
  for embedded systems software.  The Ada track-record speaks for itself.
  You have the burden of proof.  Since so many embedded systems are doing
  so well programmed in Ada, how do you prove it is not suited to such
  systems?

  The fact that some Ada software applications are horrible is not a function
  of the language, but a function of poor design, poor software practice,
  and often, in my experience, poor configuration management.

  Whatever reasons you may have are not relevant given Ada's record of 
  success.

  Do you recall the scientific proof that the Bumblebee could not fly because
  of its aerodymanic properties and wing-span?  

                      "Sweeny shifts from ham to ham,
                        Stirring the water in his bath."

  I do not recal the next two lines of Mr. Eliot's poem, but they 
  have to do with the folly of such proofs.                           

  Richard Riehle
-- 

richard@adaworks.com
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