Language Used in Spacecraft Computers

> Thomas Anderson wrote:

> oh, Ada. run! run! a language cooked up by the DoD

This statement is a little "factually challenged". Would you care to read the
history of the language, and try again? Try having a look at
http://www.adahome.com/

> ada was used in the on-board computer on Ariane 501. Ariane 501 was

Nope. At least, not quite. They re-used software from Ariane IV whose
specifications said, basically, "If you accelerate faster than X, it means the
ship's blown up, so dump everything you can on telemetry even though this will
break everything else."

The software worked exactly to specification, directly causing loss of the
ship shortly after launch, as the specs said it should. DOH!

Ariane V had a lot more accelleration than Ariane IV... and management refused
to check the specs were still valid. This just proves that management
stupidity baffles even good software engineering.

> those who are into programmatic self-discipline could also look at

An excellent language too! Design-by contract is a useful feature. Wish
it had more of em.