Re: Ada to C Translator

["Frode Tennebø" <frodet@nvg.org>]

Dave Ptacek wrote:

> Wow, I guessed I really stepped in to delicate topic here.  All of the
> replies had good information and points that should really be
> addressed
> before starting an Ada to C/C++ port.  By the way Robert, thanks for
> putting on the unbiased hat and defending some of the rather
> opinionated
> views.  

That would be me. :)

[snip]

> I personally have considered a Linux solution, but the logistics
> haven't
> been worked yet.  We have well over 200 test stations around the world
> in service centers and customer facilities, coordinating a PC swap,
> getting the station running and connecting it up to the internal
> network(s) available appears to be a rather large effort.  And yes,
> most of the networks are using NT servers.

I don't see the any problem here...Shuffeling boxes through the mail 
will be the same whatever OS/Software is on them. Linux/BSD has 
built-in support for remote administration. Doing this on NT/W2K is 
inherently more difficult, but it can be done. The solution(s) are not 
as robust (disclaimer: the solutions I have encountered).

> I would be interested in some suggestions as to what languages and
> toolsets would be viable alternatives for maintaining a program 15 -
> 20
> years into the future.  

Before you start considering the programming language and/or toolset, I 
trust that you have considered what HW platform you are going to use? 
Considered how long time into the future you have spare parts, the 
operating environment, etc.

Then you will need to take a look on what you have; is it good quality 
code worth saving or scrap it, redesign and move over completely? Make 
an estimate on how much it would cost to port from you Alsys compiler 
to eg. GNAT (or any of the other commercial Ada compiler vendors - I'm 
sure any of the companies will help getting a good estimate) and 
compare that to the cost of a rewrite. Remeber to take into account all 
the costs: retraining of existing personel, seting up and running the 
new enviornment, etc.

> Please try to take the Ada hat off before you
> respond, it still might be your choice, attempt to rationalize it with
> reasonable statements, consider the logistical situation noted above
> and lastly this is not a "deep pocket" program so funds are limited.

If funds are limited, consider again the Linux/GNAT alternative. If you 
consider yourself to have enough Ada/GNU competence in-house, fairly 
up-to-date releases of GNAT is available for free - however, I'm sure 
Robert will discurage this if you are selling a commercial product, and 
depending on your needs this might be correct. If nothing else, the 
public release of GNAT can be used in a pre-study phase to locate 
problem areas in your current code base.

The GNU GCC C/C++/Fortran77 is also free if you decide for any of those 
languages.

I won't recomend any particular toolset or language as I am biased 
toward the open arena of software development. But I have not yet used 
a RAD/IDE tool which outperforms my Emacs setup (which in no way is 
optimal). My only concerne is the lack of a really slick debugger. 
DDD/GDB is not yet there. The new debugger from (people from) ACT 
Europe looks nice, but I have not had the chance to try it yet.

> I'm rambling again and have probably stepped into yet another delicate
> topic...

Not at all - just makre sure you take all advice for what it is. It 
might not even be good advice. :)

 -Frode

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