Customer Reviews

Ada95 for C and C++ Programmers (International Computer Science Series)

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I have used this book for a few years to get a quick understanding of a C/C++ topic and how it translates to a corresponding Ada capability. This book is not extensive with examples, but provides minimal explanation, albeit adaquate for communicating the essential concepts and the way to do it in Ada. A useful book for people conversant in C/C++ who wish to determine the quick way to do it in Ada. I wish there were some more detailed explanation and examples available, but then I go on to other in depth Ada books for a more thorough explanation. You should be knowledgeable in C/C++ before ordering, but most people are.

Ada 95 for C and C++ Programmers does a good job in showing the "mapping" from C/C++ to Ada. The short examples throughout the book give side by side comparisons of the language constructs. However, the examples need to be viewed somewhat skeptically. There are numerous errors (syntax, logic, comments) in the examples. There are also places where the text and the examples diverge, e.g., the text discusses functions but the example show procedures. If you are an experienced C/C++ programmer and are just starting Ada 95, this book would be helpful. However, if you've been using Ada 95 for a while, you will have already picked up most of the mapping that this book shows.

This book is hideous. Vast numbers of grammatic, editorial, factual, and programmatic errors poision the entire reading experience. Entire passages are utterly incomprehensible on the first reading. It's obvious the book has its origins as a sloppy newsgroup posting. With all the other high-quality Ada books available, save your money for something worthwhile. It's quite a shame, actually, because this topic and approach could help many C and C++ bigots to see the light, if the execution weren't so abysmally weak.

I have used this book as a useful reference on a number of projects, granted there are some issues. I have also contacted the author a number of times and always had a very good discussion that has helped. I found this text while at college after a teacher suggested it (they had used earlier material by the author). All in all the previous postings seem a bit harsh given my personal experience.