Ada programming language standardization

Abstract

The need for software management and standardization of programming languages used in military systems was first identified by DoD in 1975. DoD at that time supported many limited use languages for what are now called embedded computer applications. This diversity of languages contributed to high software costs. In November 1976, DoD first established seven approved hols, fortran, cobol, jovial-J3, jovial-J73, tacpol, cms-2, spl-1. Eventually the number of approved DoD languages may be reduced to three, Ada, fortran, and cobol. Ada was established as Military Standard 1815, on 10 December 1980. The ANSI standardization process for Ada is in progress. The Ada concept places restrictions on what may be called an Ada compiler. Compilers may not be called Ada compilers until they have passed validation tests. Up to 80% of software costs are incurred after the software has been put into service. Ada can promote a programming style that leads to maintainable software. It is in the program maintenance phase of the software life cycle where large savings will be achieved through the use of Ada. © 1982.