Be your own Language Lawyer: Reading a Language Manual -- TCSIGAda --

Be your own Language Lawyer: Reading a Language Manual -- TCSIGAda --

[Paul D. Stachour]

Twin Cities SIGAda presents:

Jim Hassett (hassett@planet8.tds-eagan.lmco.com)<br>
Lockheed-Martin Tactical Defense Systems


Be Your Own Language Lawyer: Using the Ada Reference Manual

7-8:45PM, Tuesday February 17th, 1998
Oxboro Library
8801 Portland Avenue, Bloomington, Minnesota.



What do you do when you can't find the answer to an Ada question in
your favorite Ada textbook, and your local expert isn't around?  Do you
have trouble getting answers from the Ada RM (Reference Manual)?  Do
you find the RM's organization or terminology confusing?  And why are
there alligators hiding in the index?

The Ada 95 Reference Manual provides a thorough and precise definition
of the Ada programming language.  But like many precision tools, it can
be somewhat difficult to use, especially for those with limited
experience.  Fortunately, having the right background knowledge can
help make the RM a really effective tool for writing reliable and
portable software, even if you're not a grizzled Ada programmer.

In this meeting, we will discuss the question of what background is
needed to make best use of this valuable tool.  Jim Hassett will talk
about the purpose, structure, and terminology of the RM, along with an
assortment of quirks, tips, and other resources.  We will also be
looking for your ideas as to how to make good use of the RM.  Whether
you want to make better use of the RM yourself, or would like to know
how to help students or colleagues use it, this session should be
valuable.

Jim has been working with Ada for about ten years, and has taught many
internal Ada courses for his employer, Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense
Systems in Eagan.  In 1991 and '92, Jim worked on the Ada 9X project as
a member of one of the three User/Implementor teams that tried out
proposed new features, providing feedback that influenced both the
language and the manual.

Oxboro Library may be reached by taking the Portland Avenue exit
from Interstate 494 in Bloomington, and driving about 10 blocks south.
It is on the East side (left as driving south) of Portland.
Turn east on the road just south of the library, and park behind
the library.

There will be a limited number of copies of the Ada 95 Reference
Manual and/or Ada 95 Rationale available that evening.  If you
have a personal copy, please bring it with you so that the
maximum number of people have an opportunity to browse it along
with our speaker.

For information about TCACMSIGAda, call (612)-884-5977 or visit 
www.winternet.com/~stachour/ada/tcacmsigada.html

--
Paul D. Stachour, Software Engineer and Methodologist
9532 First Avenue South                 Lockheed Martin TSD
Bloomington, Minnesota 55420            Yankee Doodle at Pilot Knob, Eagan
(612)-884-5977  stachour@winternet.com  (612)-456-2718 pstacho@acm.org