Re: ARG asks Ada Community for API Proposals.

["Randy Brukardt" <randy@rrsoftware.com>]

Ted Dennison wrote in message <3CEDA711.5040303@telepath.com>...
>I notice from the website that the critera seem to be stilted towards
>existing libraries like Booch. Anything from the Grace project would
>have trouble competing due to two factors:
>
>    1) Its new. The critera prefer stuff that's been used for a while.
>
>    2) Functionality. Grace has as a goal to try to balance power-user
>functionality with beginner (eg: CS1 and 2) ease-of-use. The critera
>appear to select only for functionality.
>
>
>Not that I have a big problem with this. I've said all along I'd prefer
>to see Booch in the standard. :-)


Speaking for myself (not necessarily the ARG), I don't think you should
read too much into those criteria. They certainly were not intended to
be an exclusive list. To my mind, the important point is that the
libraries have a community consensus (where "community" is intentionally
vague), and are not just something written by someone in their basement.
If Grace has a consensus, then it will necessarily meet the usage
criteria, if not immedately, certainly by the time the standard gets
done.

As far as point 2 goes, it seems to me that the ease-of-use criteria got
omitted. I don't think anyone wants complex solutions where simple ones
will do. Going overboard on functionality can be a mistake, because if
the package is too large, people will have trouble using it.

Besides, I doubt that many groups are going to be willing to undertake
the commitment that it will take to see this through from start to
finish. Personally, I'd be happy if anybody steps up here...

               Randy Brukardt.