Developing reusable multi-tasking components using object-oriented techniques in Ada 95

Abstract

Since 1985, we have undertaken extensive works on concurrent system development methodology and their systematic implementation in Ada. In 1990-1991, this resulted in the presentation of the CODE-TOP (COncurrent system DEvelopment using Transformations Of Predicate-transition nets) methodology [1][2]. Starting from this basis, we later developed a framework of components, using OO techniques, which are reusable to implement in Ada 95 any type exporting synchronization / communication properties [3].This leads us to propose, as a theme for this workshop, the identification, development, and implementation in Ada 95 of general purpose reusable components for concurrent systems. By "general purpose", we mean that these components are not specialized in any specific domain as, for example, communication, or guidance and control systems. This proposal enters perfectly within the goals that were stated in the "Call for Participation" and is more specifically related to the two following goals :"Identify the benefits and impacts of using object-oriented programming in multi-tasking real-time systems";"Explore the use of Ada 95 in developing multi-tasking components that are resilient to software design errors and hardware failures".In section 2, we briefly expose the state of our works, which we already quoted.In section 3, we propose to consider the different possible kinds of reusable multi-tasking components in Ada 95. On one kind of components our works could be a good starting point for discussion.