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AdaScript versus GCC Ada 95![]() The computer language that the SparForte shell understands is called AdaScript. Unlike JavaScript, which has no relation to Java, AdaScript is a small subset of the Ada programming language, with additional features related to shell commands and databases. AdaScript is intended to be "upward compatible" with Ada. AdaScript scripts should run with little difficulty under Ada, but Ada programs may require large changes run under SparForte. For more information, see Intro / Why It Works. Language Characteristics
TerminologyHere are some common terms used in the reference. Access type - a "handle" or extended pointer to a storage location. Actual Parameter - the name of the parameter to a subprogram when it is being called. That is, "put_line( foo );" foo is the actual parameter. Aggregate - a type with more than one value, like an array or record. Array - a composite type whose components are all of the same type, where components are selected with indices. Declaration - a language construct that associates a name with a storage location. Discrete Type - an integer or enumerated type (including characters). Discriminant - a parameter of a composite type, like an index to an array. Elementary Type - a type without components. Expansion - changing the text of a line using a Bourne $ substitution. Expression - a calculation using operators, functions, etc. that can be assigned or used as a parameter. Fixed Point Type - a number with a fixed number of decimal places, often used for currency. Formal Parameter - the name of the parameter to a subprogram as used inside of a subprogram. That is, the parameter name used when the function is declared. Limited Type - a type for which assignment is not allowed. Literal - something you type representing a specific value, not a variable. The number 57 is a numeric literal. The string "hello world" is a string literal. Package - a "library" or "module". A program unit containing a collection of related items. Pragma - an interpreter directive Record Type - a composite types with zero or more named components of various types, where components are selected by name. Real Type - a fixed point or floating point number. Scalar Type - a discrete or real type. In AdaScript, a string is also a scalar type. Tagged Type - a "class" Task - a "thread" |
![]() Block Statements and Subprograms |
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