The importance of Ada programming support environments

  • Authors:

  • Thomas A. Standish

  • Affiliations:

  • University of California, Irvine, California

  • Venue:
  • AFIPS '82 Proceedings of the June 7-10, 1982, national computer conference
  • Year:
  • 1982

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Abstract

In this paper it is argued that even if we assume the most optimistic scenario we can think up for the introduction of the Ada language, the language alone, in the absence of an Ada Programming Support Environment (APSE), is insufficient to achieve the gains in programming productivity and software reliability with which use of Ada tantalizes us. Moreover, it is argued that the level of support envisaged in the Minimal Ada Programming Support Environment (MAPSE), specified in the STONEMAN, which provides a rudimentary level of capability incorporating a text editor, compiler, linker/loader, and symbolic debugger, is also insufficient; and that it is time to seize the opportunity to conceptualize what sort of advanced programming support tools should populate a mature APSE of high utility and effectiveness. In this context, consideration of support tools for software project management, interactive programming, modern programming practices, software reuse, and improved program understanding techniques arises.