Why Ada is not just another programming language

Abstract

Since there have been hundreds of high level languages developed over the past twenty years, many people are asking why there is so much fuss about Ada. The question is frequently asked—why isn't Ada just another programming language. Although Ada was developed to meet Department of Defense requirements, those requirements were really for embedded computer systems i.e. those in which the computer is integrated with additional hardware. Such systems certainly exist in the nonmilitary environment e.g. process control, microwave ovens, and so Ada is applicable to many cases which have no connection with the military. In addition to being a programming language, Ada provides support for software engineering concepts, as well as a programming support environment, and it is this combination which is unique. Ada is unique non-technically for social, economic, and political reasons which relate to the way in which it was developed and the way in which it is being viewed by many people and organizations. Ada is unique technically because of its support for the concept of software components, its excellent blend of modern useful features, and its support for the production of very large software systems.