On the fringe of Ada

The author compares features of Ada with that of Fortran in a real-time simulation environment, providing insight into potential problem areas on early Ada programs. Real-time software architectures in Ada and Fortran are compared, with a focus on potential impacts due to Ada´s complexity. The author also discusses at length the management of data by Ada compilers and the effect this may have on developing and managing simulation software. The author´s intent is to identify potential Ada problem areas so that effective risk reduction strategies can be employed. It is noted that the success of early Ada programs may rest with how well preferred Ada designs are adapted to present-day target computer limitations. Early identification of these limitations is the first step