Re: Ada student homework ?

[tmoran@acm.org]

> > >which has the advantage of not being tied to windows.
> > Or disadvantage, depending on the situation.
>
> Obviously if one can have a portable solution which is as easy or
> easier to use than a non-portable solution, the former is preferable.

  Obviously.  But is it really true that *any* app using the facilities
of MS Windows can be developed as easily, or easier, with GtkAda?

  I also note that the www.adapower description of GtkAda, under
"Compatitibility", says "The only GNAT-specific features in this
toolkit are related to command line handling (functions G[dt]k.Init),
and the use of GNAT.HTable.  Modifying this toolkit for another Ada 95
compiler should be straightforward."  Is there a release sequence of
GtkAda versions that have been developed and tested with multiple Ada
compilers?  Or does GtkAda free you from being tied to MS Windows, and
instead tie you to ACT's Ada compiler?

  Portability is not cheap.  Having worked on the development and
testing of CLAW on four different Ada compilers, including GNAT, over
the last few years I am acutely aware of that fact.  It's also true
that software vendors usually have strong economic incentives to
promote lock-in to their products.  Caveat Emptor.