ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the potential of using Ada in CAE, based on the experiences gained during the implementation of the computer-aided control engineering (CACE) projects IMPACT and GE-MEAD. The kernel of scientific programs most often consists of a set of mathematical algorithms operating on problem-specific data. In CACE, this data may represent a linear model in state or frequency form, a time or frequency response from that model, and so on. A second fundamental problem with reusing structured programs with abstract data types derives from the strong typing itself. Strong typing does increase both program readability and code reliability. The quality of any software is primarily dependent on the quality of the individual programmer. The learning time of the Ada programming language is surprisingly short for anybody familiar with structured programming, abstract data types, and object-oriented programming. The compilation environment of Ada will make sure that all dependent modules are recompiled if any change is made to a lower-level module.
