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From: Robert A Duff <bobduff@world.std.com>
Subject: Re: Confusing language,
 was Re: Help help.. please.i am totaly new in ada programing
Date: 1999/11/11
Message-ID: <wcc3duc3khh.fsf@world.std.com>#1/1
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Sender: bobduff@world.std.com (Robert A Duff)
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Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
Newsgroups: comp.lang.ada
Date: 1999-11-11T00:00:00+00:00
List-Id: <comp.lang.ada>

Robert Dewar <robert_dewar@my-deja.com> writes:

> Actually although it is unfair, as per previous messages, to
> criticize COBOL as being responsible for original 2-digit date
> decisions, it IS fair to criticize COBOL for it being hard to
> fix, since the complete lack of data abstraction in COBOL means
> that programs can be infested throughout, and we do not have a
> situation where one small part of the program needs changing.

Well, certainly the lack of data abstraction is the more important
issue.  There's really nothing wrong with putting limitations on
computer programs, assuming there's a good reason, and things are
documented.  The real problem is when you can't change those limitations
because assumptions are scattered all over the code.

- Bob