The Howdy Glossary

Ada 2012, the latest iteration of the Ada programming language standard, builds on its predecessor Ada 2005 by enhancing capabilities for real-time, parallel processing, and embedded systems development. Notable improvements include better container libraries, robust exception handling, support for contract-based programming with preconditions and postconditions, and aspects to specify additional properties within programs. Known for use in safety-critical applications like aviation and defense systems development, Ada 2012 emphasizes correctness and reliability. This iteration responds to industry needs by offering a modernized toolset aimed at maintaining high standards in software quality.

Originally developed at the request of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) during the late 1970s and early 1980s by Jean Ichbiah's team at CII Honeywell Bull in France, Ada was designed to replace numerous languages used by DoD with a single standardized one. Named after Lady Ada Lovelace—the first computer programmer—Ada has undergone several updates managed by various committees over time. The primary goal was to create a language that would enhance code correctness while being maintainable and readable. By doing so, long-term costs associated with software development in safety-critical sectors could be significantly reduced.

Ada 2012 sets itself apart from competitors like C/C++, Java, Rust, and SPARK through its focus on reliability and suitability for embedded systems development. Unique features such as improved container libraries (Vectors/Maps), enhanced exception handling with tasks, contract-based programming through specified conditions using syntax enhancements (like preconditions/postconditions), along with aspects for extra property specification provide an advanced framework tailored to complex system requirements. These attributes make it especially valuable in industries where errors can result in severe consequences; thus ensuring comprehensive testing is paramount. Consequently, Ada's strong typing system and tasking features contribute further to its reliability making it indispensable for professionals dealing with high-stakes applications requiring utmost software quality assurance.