The Use of Representation Clauses and Implementation-Dependent Features in Ada. I. Overview

Abstract : This report, the first in a series, presents an overview of the aspects of the Ada language relating to representation clauses and implementation-dependent features. Particular emphasis is given to the use of Ada for application to packed data structures. This report is part tutorial, and several examples from real-time, mission-critical systems are discussed in detail. A brief discussion of design guidelines for the use of representation clauses and implementation-dependent features is included. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the problem domain to which representation clauses and implementation-dependent features are applicable. Chapter 3 gives an overview of those features of the Ada language which are applicable to this domain. A basic design principle, and the use of representation clauses from a global perspective, are provided in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 presents several case study examples of the use of representation clauses and implementation-dependent features. The use of assembler language is discussed in Chapter 6. Chapter 7 lists a set of design guidelines for considered use of representation clauses and implementation-dependent features. A summary of the report appears in Chapter 8.