Re: Interfacing to C and types visible to Ada

[Robert A Duff <bobduff@shell01.TheWorld.com>]

Maciej Sobczak <see.my.homepage@gmail.com> writes:

> We can use Interfaces.C.int for binding Ada to C, but there is still a
> need to expose somehow the type to regular Ada code. What type should
> be used?

You can do one of:

    subtype Int is Interfaces.C.int; -- rename the type
    type Int is new Interfaces.C.int; -- declare a new type

> The Ada wrapper library might also define its own type that will be
> equivalent in range to Interfaces.C.int. What is the right name for
> such a type?

I don't know, but Integer is not a good choice, IMHO.
If you have:

    package My_Binding is
        type Integer is ...

then inside My_Binding (including its children), that Integer will hide
the one in Standard.  In other packages that say "use My_Binding;",
the Integer in Standard will hide the one in My_Binding.
You will be continually confused about which Integer you are
referring to.  And people who are familiar with Ada, but not
familiar with My_Binding will be even more confused.

- Bob