Metrics for Ada Packages: An Initial Study,
Abstract
Many novel features of Ada (e.g., packages, generics, tasking, and exception handling) were included in the language to improve readability, aid modification, or encourage reusability. Since they have not been available in other widely used languages, packages present programmers with a fairly formidable learning task. We studied four first-time Ada programmers as they developed a ground-support satellite system. Metrics are presented which characterize their use of Ada packages, indicating where program structure may make changes difficult, and suggesting how the structure may be improved. Our findings suggest that a good background in the software engineering practices supported by Ada is necessary to learn to use the features of the language -- simply teaching professional programmers Ada is not enough. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA165336
Entities
People
- E. E. Katz
- J. D. Gannon
- V. R. Basili
Organizations
- University of Maryland