@c o
@c G N A T _ RM o
@c o
-@c Copyright (C) 1995-2006 Free Software Foundation o
+@c Copyright (C) 1995-2007, Free Software Foundation o
@c o
@c o
@c GNAT is maintained by Ada Core Technologies Inc (http://www.gnat.com). o
@setfilename gnat_rm.info
@set EDITION GNAT
+@set DEFAULTLANGUAGEVERSION Ada 2005
+@set NONDEFAULTLANGUAGEVERSION Ada 95
+
@settitle GNAT Reference Manual
@setchapternewpage odd
@end direntry
@copying
-Copyright @copyright{} 1995-2004, Free Software Foundation
+Copyright @copyright{} 1995-2007, Free Software Foundation
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
@titlepage
@title GNAT Reference Manual
-@subtitle GNAT, The GNU Ada 95 Compiler
+@subtitle GNAT, The GNU Ada Compiler
@versionsubtitle
-@author Ada Core Technologies, Inc.
+@author AdaCore
@page
@vskip 0pt plus 1filll
GNAT Reference Manual
@noindent
-GNAT, The GNU Ada 95 Compiler@*
+GNAT, The GNU Ada Compiler@*
GCC version @value{version-GCC}@*
@noindent
* Pragma Assert::
* Pragma Ast_Entry::
* Pragma C_Pass_By_Copy::
+* Pragma Check_Name::
* Pragma Comment::
* Pragma Common_Object::
* Pragma Compile_Time_Error::
* Pragma Finalize_Storage_Only::
* Pragma Float_Representation::
* Pragma Ident::
+* Pragma Implicit_Packing::
* Pragma Import_Exception::
* Pragma Import_Function::
* Pragma Import_Object::
* Pragma Linker_Section::
* Pragma Long_Float::
* Pragma Machine_Attribute::
+* Pragma Main::
* Pragma Main_Storage::
+* Pragma No_Body::
* Pragma No_Return::
* Pragma No_Strict_Aliasing ::
* Pragma Normalize_Scalars::
* Pragma Task_Info::
* Pragma Task_Name::
* Pragma Task_Storage::
-* Pragma Thread_Body::
* Pragma Time_Slice::
* Pragma Title::
* Pragma Unchecked_Union::
* Pragma Unimplemented_Unit::
+* Pragma Universal_Aliasing ::
* Pragma Universal_Data::
* Pragma Unreferenced::
* Pragma Unreferenced_Objects::
* Elab_Body::
* Elab_Spec::
* Emax::
+* Enabled::
* Enum_Rep::
* Epsilon::
* Fixed_Value::
* GNAT Implementation of Shared Passive Packages::
* Code Generation for Array Aggregates::
* The Size of Discriminated Records with Default Discriminants::
-* Strict Conformance to the Ada 95 Reference Manual::
+* Strict Conformance to the Ada Reference Manual::
Project File Reference
@node About This Guide
@unnumbered About This Guide
-@ifclear PROEDITION
@noindent
This manual contains useful information in writing programs using the
-GNAT compiler. It includes information on implementation dependent
-characteristics of GNAT, including all the information required by Annex
-M of the standard.
-@end ifclear
-
-@ifset PROEDITION
-@noindent
-This manual contains useful information in writing programs using the
-GNAT Pro compiler. It includes information on implementation dependent
-characteristics of GNAT Pro, including all the information required by Annex
-M of the standard.
-@end ifset
-
-Ada 95 is designed to be highly portable.
+@value{EDITION} compiler. It includes information on implementation dependent
+characteristics of @value{EDITION}, including all the information required by
+Annex M of the Ada language standard.
+
+@value{EDITION} implements Ada 95 and Ada 2005, and it may also be invoked in
+Ada 83 compatibility mode.
+By default, @value{EDITION} assumes @value{DEFAULTLANGUAGEVERSION},
+but you can override with a compiler switch
+to explicitly specify the language version.
+(Please refer to the section ``Compiling Different Versions of Ada'', in
+@cite{@value{EDITION} User's Guide}, for details on these switches.)
+Throughout this manual, references to ``Ada'' without a year suffix
+apply to both the Ada 95 and Ada 2005 versions of the language.
+
+Ada is designed to be highly portable.
In general, a program will have the same effect even when compiled by
different compilers on different platforms.
-However, since Ada 95 is designed to be used in a
+However, since Ada is designed to be used in a
wide variety of applications, it also contains a number of system
dependent features to be used in interfacing to the external world.
@cindex Implementation-dependent features
@end itemize
-@cindex Ada 95 ISO/ANSI Standard
+@cindex Ada 95 Language Reference Manual
+@cindex Ada 2005 Language Reference Manual
@noindent
-This reference manual assumes that you are familiar with Ada 95
-language, as described in the International Standard
-ANSI/ISO/IEC-8652:1995, Jan 1995.
+This reference manual assumes a basic familiarity with the Ada 95 language, as
+described in the International Standard ANSI/ISO/IEC-8652:1995,
+January 1995.
+It does not require knowledge of the new features introduced by Ada 2005,
+(officially known as ISO/IEC 8652:1995 with Technical Corrigendum 1
+and Amendment 1).
+Both reference manuals are included in the GNAT documentation
+package.
@node Conventions
@unnumberedsec Conventions
@item
@cite{Ada 95 Annotated Reference Manual}, which is an annotated version
-of the standard reference manual cited above. The annotations describe
+of the Ada 95 standard. The annotations describe
detailed aspects of the design decision, and in particular contain useful
sections on Ada 83 compatibility.
@item
+@cite{Ada 2005 Reference Manual}, which contains all reference
+material for the Ada 2005 programming language.
+
+@item
+@cite{Ada 2005 Annotated Reference Manual}, which is an annotated version
+of the Ada 2005 standard. The annotations describe
+detailed aspects of the design decision, and in particular contain useful
+sections on Ada 83 and Ada 95 compatibility.
+
+@item
@cite{DEC Ada, Technical Overview and Comparison on DIGITAL Platforms},
which contains specific information on compatibility between GNAT and
DEC Ada 83 systems.
@chapter Implementation Defined Pragmas
@noindent
-Ada 95 defines a set of pragmas that can be used to supply additional
+Ada defines a set of pragmas that can be used to supply additional
information to the compiler. These language defined pragmas are
-implemented in GNAT and work as described in the Ada 95 Reference
+implemented in GNAT and work as described in the Ada Reference
Manual.
-In addition, Ada 95 allows implementations to define additional pragmas
+In addition, Ada allows implementations to define additional pragmas
whose meaning is defined by the implementation. GNAT provides a number
of these implementation-dependent pragmas which can be used to extend
and enhance the functionality of the compiler. This section of the GNAT
* Pragma Assert::
* Pragma Ast_Entry::
* Pragma C_Pass_By_Copy::
+* Pragma Check_Name::
* Pragma Comment::
* Pragma Common_Object::
* Pragma Compile_Time_Error::
* Pragma Finalize_Storage_Only::
* Pragma Float_Representation::
* Pragma Ident::
+* Pragma Implicit_Packing::
* Pragma Import_Exception::
* Pragma Import_Function::
* Pragma Import_Object::
* Pragma Linker_Section::
* Pragma Long_Float::
* Pragma Machine_Attribute::
+* Pragma Main::
* Pragma Main_Storage::
+* Pragma No_Body::
* Pragma No_Return::
* Pragma No_Strict_Aliasing::
* Pragma Normalize_Scalars::
* Pragma Task_Info::
* Pragma Task_Name::
* Pragma Task_Storage::
-* Pragma Thread_Body::
* Pragma Time_Slice::
* Pragma Title::
* Pragma Unchecked_Union::
* Pragma Unimplemented_Unit::
+* Pragma Universal_Aliasing ::
* Pragma Universal_Data::
* Pragma Unreferenced::
* Pragma Unreferenced_Objects::
which it applies, regardless of the mode set by the command line
switches. In Ada 83 mode, GNAT attempts to be as compatible with
the syntax and semantics of Ada 83, as defined in the original Ada
-83 Reference Manual as possible. In particular, the new Ada 95
-keywords are not recognized, optional package bodies are allowed,
+83 Reference Manual as possible. In particular, the keywords added by Ada 95
+(and Ada 2005) are not recognized, optional package bodies are allowed,
and generics may name types with unknown discriminants without using
the @code{(<>)} notation. In addition, some but not all of the additional
restrictions of Ada 83 are enforced.
Ada 83 mode is intended for two purposes. Firstly, it allows existing
-legacy Ada 83 code to be compiled and adapted to GNAT with less effort.
+Ada 83 code to be compiled and adapted to GNAT with less effort.
Secondly, it aids in keeping code backwards compatible with Ada 83.
However, there is no guarantee that code that is processed correctly
by GNAT in Ada 83 mode will in fact compile and execute with an Ada
@code{Import} and @code{Export} pragmas, which allow specification of
passing mechanisms on a parameter by parameter basis.
+@node Pragma Check_Name
+@unnumberedsec Pragma Check_Name
+@cindex Defining check names
+@cindex Check names, defining
+@findex Check_Name
+@noindent
+Syntax:
+@smallexample @c ada
+pragma Check_Name (check_name_IDENTIFIER);
+@end smallexample
+
+@noindent
+This is a configuration pragma which defines a new implementation
+defined check name (unless IDENTIFIER matches one of the predefined
+check names, in which case the pragma has no effect). Check names
+are global to a partition, so if two more more configuration pragmas
+are present in a partition mentioning the same name, only one new
+check name is introduced.
+
+An implementation defined check name introduced with this pragma may
+be used in only three contexts: @code{pragma Suppress},
+@code{pragma Unsuppress},
+and as the prefix of a @code{Check_Name'Enabled} attribute reference. For
+any of these three cases, the check name must be visible. A check
+name is visible if it is in the configuration pragmas applying to
+the current unit, or if it appears at the start of any unit that
+is part of the dependency set of the current unit (e.g. units that
+are mentioned in @code{with} clauses.
+
+Normally the default mechanism for passing C convention records to C
@node Pragma Comment
@unnumberedsec Pragma Comment
@findex Comment
@noindent
This pragma can be used to generate additional compile time
error messages. It
-is particularly useful in generics, where errrs can be issued for
+is particularly useful in generics, where errors can be issued for
specific problematic instantiations. The first parameter is a boolean
expression. The pragma is effective only if the value of this expression
is known at compile time, and has the value True. The set of expressions
Types for which @code{CPP_Class} is specified do not have assignment or
equality operators defined (such operations can be imported or declared
as subprograms as required). Initialization is allowed only by constructor
-functions (see pragma @code{CPP_Constructor}).
+functions (see pragma @code{CPP_Constructor}). Such types are implicitly
+limited if not explicitly declared as limited or derived from a limited
+type, and a warning is issued in that case.
Pragma @code{CPP_Class} is intended primarily for automatic generation
using an automatic binding generator tool.
overloaded subprograms is implemented only partially, so we do not recommend
using it for practical subprogram elimination.
-Note, that in case of a parameterless procedure its profile is represented
+Note that in case of a parameterless procedure its profile is represented
as @code{Parameter_Types => ("")}
Alternatively, the @code{Source_Location} parameter is used to specify
adding lines may make the set of Eliminate pragmas using SOURCE_LOCATION
parameter illegal.
+It is legal to use pragma Eliminate where the referenced entity is a
+dispatching operation, but it is not clear what this would mean, since
+in general the call does not know which entity is actually being called.
+Consequently, a pragma Eliminate for a dispatching operation is ignored.
+
@node Pragma Export_Exception
@unnumberedsec Pragma Export_Exception
@cindex OpenVMS
MECHANISM_NAME ::=
Value
| Reference
+| Descriptor [([Class =>] CLASS_NAME)]
+
+CLASS_NAME ::= ubs | ubsb | uba | s | sb | a
@end smallexample
@noindent
@cindex OpenVMS
@cindex Passing by descriptor
-Note that passing by descriptor is not supported, even on the OpenVMS
-ports of GNAT@.
+Passing by descriptor is supported only on the OpenVMS ports of GNAT@.
@cindex Suppressing external name
Special treatment is given if the EXTERNAL is an explicit null
MECHANISM_NAME ::=
Value
| Reference
+| Descriptor [([Class =>] CLASS_NAME)]
+
+CLASS_NAME ::= ubs | ubsb | uba | s | sb | a
@end smallexample
@noindent
@cindex OpenVMS
@cindex Passing by descriptor
-Note that passing by descriptor is not supported, even on the OpenVMS
-ports of GNAT@.
+Passing by descriptor is supported only on the OpenVMS ports of GNAT@.
@cindex Suppressing external name
Special treatment is given if the EXTERNAL is an explicit null
MECHANISM_NAME ::=
Value
| Reference
+| Descriptor [([Class =>] CLASS_NAME)]
+
+CLASS_NAME ::= ubs | ubsb | uba | s | sb | a
@end smallexample
@noindent
@cindex OpenVMS
@cindex Passing by descriptor
-Note that passing by descriptor is not supported, even on the OpenVMS
-ports of GNAT@.
+Passing by descriptor is supported only on the OpenVMS ports of GNAT@.
@cindex Suppressing external name
Special treatment is given if the EXTERNAL is an explicit null
This pragma is used to provide backwards compatibility with other
implementations that extend the facilities of package @code{System}. In
GNAT, @code{System} contains only the definitions that are present in
-the Ada 95 RM@. However, other implementations, notably the DEC Ada 83
+the Ada RM@. However, other implementations, notably the DEC Ada 83
implementation, provide many extensions to package @code{System}.
For each such implementation accommodated by this pragma, GNAT provides a
@table @asis
@item Implicit external names
Implicit external names are derived from identifiers. The most common case
-arises when a standard Ada 95 Import or Export pragma is used with only two
+arises when a standard Ada Import or Export pragma is used with only two
arguments, as in:
@smallexample @c ada
@end smallexample
@noindent
-Since Ada is a case insensitive language, the spelling of the identifier in
+Since Ada is a case-insensitive language, the spelling of the identifier in
the Ada source program does not provide any information on the desired
casing of the external name, and so a convention is needed. In GNAT the
default treatment is that such names are converted to all lower case
@item Explicit external names
Explicit external names are given as string literals. The most common case
-arises when a standard Ada 95 Import or Export pragma is used with three
+arises when a standard Ada Import or Export pragma is used with three
arguments, as in:
@smallexample @c ada
maintain compatibility with this compiler, you should obey this length
limit.
+@node Pragma Implicit_Packing
+@unnumberedsec Pragma Implicit_Packing
+@findex Implicit_Packing
+@noindent
+Syntax:
+
+@smallexample @c ada
+pragma Implicit_Packing;
+@end smallexample
+
+@noindent
+This is a configuration pragma that requests implicit packing for packed
+arrays for which a size clause is given but no explicit pragma Pack or
+specification of Component_Size is present. Consider this example:
+
+@smallexample @c ada
+type R is array (0 .. 7) of Boolean;
+for R'Size use 8;
+@end smallexample
+
+@noindent
+In accordance with the recommendation in the RM (RM 13.3(53)), a Size clause
+does not change the layout of a composite object. So the Size clause in the
+above example is normally rejected, since the default layout of the array uses
+8-bit components, and thus the array requires a minimum of 64 bits.
+
+If this declaration is compiled in a region of code covered by an occurrence
+of the configuration pragma Implicit_Packing, then the Size clause in this
+and similar examples will cause implicit packing and thus be accepted. For
+this implicit packing to occur, the type in question must be an array of small
+components whose size is known at compile time, and the Size clause must
+specify the exact size that corresponds to the length of the array multiplied
+by the size in bits of the component type.
+@cindex Array packing
+
@node Pragma Import_Exception
@unnumberedsec Pragma Import_Exception
@cindex OpenVMS
@noindent
This pragma is identical in syntax and semantics to
-the standard Ada 95 pragma @code{Import}. It is provided for compatibility
+the standard Ada pragma @code{Import}. It is provided for compatibility
with Ada 83. The definition is upwards compatible both with pragma
@code{Interface} as defined in the Ada 83 Reference Manual, and also
with some extended implementations of this pragma in certain Ada 83
It is not possible to specify attributes defined by other languages,
only attributes defined by the machine the code is intended to run on.
+@node Pragma Main
+@unnumberedsec Pragma Main
+@cindex OpenVMS
+@findex Main
+@noindent
+Syntax:
+
+@smallexample @c ada
+pragma Main
+ (MAIN_OPTION [, MAIN_OPTION]);
+
+MAIN_OPTION ::=
+ [STACK_SIZE =>] static_integer_EXPRESSION
+| [TASK_STACK_SIZE_DEFAULT =>] static_integer_EXPRESSION
+| [TIME_SLICING_ENABLED =>] static_boolean_EXPRESSION
+@end smallexample
+
+@noindent
+This pragma is provided for compatibility with OpenVMS VAX Systems. It has
+no effect in GNAT, other than being syntax checked.
+
@node Pragma Main_Storage
@unnumberedsec Pragma Main_Storage
@cindex OpenVMS
MAIN_STORAGE_OPTION ::=
[WORKING_STORAGE =>] static_SIMPLE_EXPRESSION
| [TOP_GUARD =>] static_SIMPLE_EXPRESSION
-
@end smallexample
@noindent
no effect in GNAT, other than being syntax checked. Note that the pragma
also has no effect in DEC Ada 83 for OpenVMS Alpha Systems.
+@node Pragma No_Body
+@unnumberedsec Pragma No_Body
+@findex No_Body
+@noindent
+Syntax:
+
+@smallexample @c ada
+pragma No_Body;
+@end smallexample
+
+@noindent
+There are a number of cases in which a package spec does not require a body,
+and in fact a body is not permitted. GNAT will not permit the spec to be
+compiled if there is a body around. The pragma No_Body allows you to provide
+a body file, even in a case where no body is allowed. The body file must
+contain only comments and a single No_Body pragma. This is recognized by
+the compiler as indicating that no body is logically present.
+
+This is particularly useful during maintenance when a package is modified in
+such a way that a body needed before is no longer needed. The provision of a
+dummy body with a No_Body pragma ensures that there is no inteference from
+earlier versions of the package body.
+
@node Pragma No_Return
@unnumberedsec Pragma No_Return
@findex No_Return
Syntax:
@smallexample @c ada
-pragma Passive ([Semaphore | No]);
+pragma Passive [(Semaphore | No)];
@end smallexample
@noindent
Syntax:
@smallexample @c ada
-pragma Persistent_BSS [local_NAME]
+pragma Persistent_BSS [(local_NAME)]
@end smallexample
@noindent
@end smallexample
@noindent
-The specifications of the referenced functions, as given in the Ada 95
+The specifications of the referenced functions, as given in the Ada
Reference Manual are:
@smallexample @c ada
@code{Storage_Size} attribute definition clause is allowed for a task
type.
-@node Pragma Thread_Body
-@unnumberedsec Pragma Thread_Body
-@findex Thread_Body
-Syntax:
-
-@smallexample @c ada
-pragma Thread_Body (
- [Entity =>] local_NAME,
- [[Secondary_Stack_Size =>] static_integer_EXPRESSION)];
-@end smallexample
-
-@noindent
-This pragma specifies that the subprogram whose name is given as the
-@code{Entity} argument is a thread body, which will be activated
-by being called via its Address from foreign code. The purpose is
-to allow execution and registration of the foreign thread within the
-Ada run-time system.
-
-See the library unit @code{System.Threads} for details on the expansion of
-a thread body subprogram, including the calls made to subprograms
-within System.Threads to register the task. This unit also lists the
-targets and runtime systems for which this pragma is supported.
-
-A thread body subprogram may not be called directly from Ada code, and
-it is not permitted to apply the Access (or Unrestricted_Access) attributes
-to such a subprogram. The only legitimate way of calling such a subprogram
-is to pass its Address to foreign code and then make the call from the
-foreign code.
-
-A thread body subprogram may have any parameters, and it may be a function
-returning a result. The convention of the thread body subprogram may be
-set in the usual manner using @code{pragma Convention}.
-
-The secondary stack size parameter, if given, is used to set the size
-of secondary stack for the thread. The secondary stack is allocated as
-a local variable of the expanded thread body subprogram, and thus is
-allocated out of the main thread stack size. If no secondary stack
-size parameter is present, the default size (from the declaration in
-@code{System.Secondary_Stack} is used.
-
@node Pragma Time_Slice
@unnumberedsec Pragma Time_Slice
@findex Time_Slice
pragma in the GNAT Ada 95 mode. Ada 2005 includes an extended version of this
pragma, making it language defined, and GNAT fully implements this extended
version in all language modes (Ada 83, Ada 95, and Ada 2005). For full
-details, consult the Ada 2005 RM, section B.3.3.
+details, consult the Ada 2005 Reference Manual, section B.3.3.
@node Pragma Unimplemented_Unit
@unnumberedsec Pragma Unimplemented_Unit
The abort only happens if code is being generated. Thus you can use
specs of unimplemented packages in syntax or semantic checking mode.
+@node Pragma Universal_Aliasing
+@unnumberedsec Pragma Universal_Aliasing
+@findex Universal_Aliasing
+@noindent
+Syntax:
+
+@smallexample @c ada
+pragma Universal_Aliasing [([Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME)];
+@end smallexample
+
+@noindent
+@var{type_LOCAL_NAME} must refer to a type declaration in the current
+declarative part. The effect is to inhibit strict type-based aliasing
+optimization for the given type. In other words, the effect is as though
+access types designating this type were subject to pragma No_Strict_Aliasing.
+For a detailed description of the strict aliasing optimization, and the
+situations in which it must be suppressed, see section
+``Optimization and Strict Aliasing'' in the @value{EDITION} User's Guide.
+
@node Pragma Universal_Data
@unnumberedsec Pragma Universal_Data
@findex Universal_Data
This is a configuration pragma. In a unit to which it applies, any use
of the 'Size attribute is automatically interpreted as a use of the
'VADS_Size attribute. Note that this may result in incorrect semantic
-processing of valid Ada 95 programs. This is intended to aid in the
-handling of legacy code which depends on the interpretation of Size
+processing of valid Ada 95 or Ada 2005 programs. This is intended to aid in
+the handling of existing code which depends on the interpretation of Size
as implemented in the VADS compiler. See description of the VADS_Size
attribute for further details.
@end smallexample
@noindent
-This pragma is defined by the Ada 95 Reference Manual, and the GNAT
+This pragma is defined by the Ada Reference Manual, and the GNAT
implementation is fully conformant with this definition. The reason it
is mentioned in this section is that a pragma of the same name was supplied
-in some Ada 83 compilers, including DEC Ada 83. The Ada 95 implementation
-of pragma Volatile is upwards compatible with the implementation in
-Dec Ada 83.
+in some Ada 83 compilers, including DEC Ada 83. The Ada 95 / Ada 2005
+implementation of pragma Volatile is upwards compatible with the
+implementation in DEC Ada 83.
@node Pragma Warnings
@unnumberedsec Pragma Warnings
Syntax:
@smallexample @c ada
-pragma Wide_Character_Encoding (IDENTIFIER | CHRARACTER_LITERAL);
+pragma Wide_Character_Encoding (IDENTIFIER | CHARACTER_LITERAL);
@end smallexample
@noindent
@node Implementation Defined Attributes
@chapter Implementation Defined Attributes
-Ada 95 defines (throughout the Ada 95 reference manual,
-summarized in annex K),
+Ada defines (throughout the Ada reference manual,
+summarized in Annex K),
a set of attributes that provide useful additional functionality in all
areas of the language. These language defined attributes are implemented
-in GNAT and work as described in the Ada 95 Reference Manual.
+in GNAT and work as described in the Ada Reference Manual.
-In addition, Ada 95 allows implementations to define additional
+In addition, Ada allows implementations to define additional
attributes whose meaning is defined by the implementation. GNAT provides
a number of these implementation-dependent attributes which can be used
to extend and enhance the functionality of the compiler. This section of
* Elab_Body::
* Elab_Spec::
* Emax::
+* Enabled::
* Enum_Rep::
* Epsilon::
* Fixed_Value::
@cindex Address of subprogram code
@noindent
The @code{'Address}
-attribute may be applied to subprograms in Ada 95, but the
-intended effect from the Ada 95 reference manual seems to be to provide
+attribute may be applied to subprograms in Ada 95 and Ada 2005, but the
+intended effect seems to be to provide
an address value which can be used to call the subprogram by means of
an address clause as in the following example:
@noindent
A call to @code{L} is then expected to result in a call to @code{K}@.
In Ada 83, where there were no access-to-subprogram values, this was
-a common work around for getting the effect of an indirect call.
+a common work-around for getting the effect of an indirect call.
GNAT implements the above use of @code{Address} and the technique
illustrated by the example code works correctly.
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute.
+@node Enabled
+@unnumberedsec Enabled
+@findex Enabled
+@noindent
+The @code{Enabled} attribute allows an application program to check at compile
+time to see if the designated check is currently enabled. The prefix is a
+simple identifier, referencing any predefined check name (other than
+@code{All_Checks}) or a check name introduced by pragma Check_Name. If
+no argument is given for the attribute, the check is for the general state
+of the check, if an argument is given, then it is an entity name, and the
+check indicates whether an @code{Suppress} or @code{Unsuppress} has been
+given naming the entity (if not, then the argument is ignored).
+
+Note that instantiations inherit the check status at the point of the
+instantiation, so a useful idiom is to have a library package that
+introduces a check name with @code{pragma Check_Name}, and then contains
+generic packages or subprograms which use the @code{Enabled} attribute
+to see if the check is enabled. A user of this package can then issue
+a @code{pragma Suppress} or @code{pragma Unsuppress} before instantiating
+the package or subprogram, controlling whether the check will be present.
+
@node Enum_Rep
@unnumberedsec Enum_Rep
@cindex Representation of enums
or integer types. Note that if @code{Enum_Rep} is used on a modular
type whose upper bound exceeds the upper bound of the largest signed
integer type, and the argument is a variable, so that the universal
-integer calculation is done at run-time, then the call to @code{Enum_Rep}
+integer calculation is done at run time, then the call to @code{Enum_Rep}
may raise @code{Constraint_Error}.
@node Epsilon
@cindex Ada 83 attributes
@findex Small
@noindent
-The @code{Small} attribute is defined in Ada 95 only for fixed-point types.
+The @code{Small} attribute is defined in Ada 95 (and Ada 2005) only for
+fixed-point types.
GNAT also allows this attribute to be applied to floating-point types
for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
other implementations, the use of static chains for inner level
subprograms means that @code{Unrestricted_Access} applied to a
subprogram yields a value that can be called as long as the subprogram
-is in scope (normal Ada 95 accessibility rules restrict this usage).
+is in scope (normal Ada accessibility rules restrict this usage).
It is possible to use @code{Unrestricted_Access} for any type, but care
must be exercised if it is used to create pointers to unconstrained
@node Implementation Advice
@chapter Implementation Advice
@noindent
-The main text of the Ada 95 Reference Manual describes the required
-behavior of all Ada 95 compilers, and the GNAT compiler conforms to
+The main text of the Ada Reference Manual describes the required
+behavior of all Ada compilers, and the GNAT compiler conforms to
these requirements.
-In addition, there are sections throughout the Ada 95
-reference manual headed
-by the phrase ``implementation advice''. These sections are not normative,
-i.e.@: they do not specify requirements that all compilers must
+In addition, there are sections throughout the Ada Reference Manual headed
+by the phrase ``Implementation advice''. These sections are not normative,
+i.e., they do not specify requirements that all compilers must
follow. Rather they provide advice on generally desirable behavior. You
may wonder why they are not requirements. The most typical answer is
that they describe behavior that seems generally desirable, but cannot
be provided on all systems, or which may be undesirable on some systems.
As far as practical, GNAT follows the implementation advice sections in
-the Ada 95 Reference Manual. This chapter contains a table giving the
+the Ada Reference Manual. This chapter contains a table giving the
reference manual section number, paragraph number and several keywords
for each advice. Each entry consists of the text of the advice followed
by the GNAT interpretation of this advice. Most often, this simply says
@code{Size} clause on a composite subtype should not affect the
internal layout of components.
@end cartouche
-Followed.
+Followed. But note that this can be overridden by use of the implementation
+pragma Implicit_Packing in the case of packed arrays.
@sp 1
@cartouche
@code{Interfaces}.
@end cartouche
Followed. An additional package not defined
-in the Ada 95 Reference Manual is @code{Interfaces.CPP}, used
+in the Ada Reference Manual is @code{Interfaces.CPP}, used
for interfacing to C++.
@sp 1
@noindent
In addition to the implementation dependent pragmas and attributes, and
-the implementation advice, there are a number of other features of Ada
-95 that are potentially implementation dependent. These are mentioned
-throughout the Ada 95 Reference Manual, and are summarized in annex M@.
+the implementation advice, there are a number of other Ada features
+that are potentially implementation dependent. These are mentioned
+throughout the Ada Reference Manual, and are summarized in annex M@.
A requirement for conforming Ada compilers is that they provide
documentation describing how the implementation deals with each of these
You can use this chapter as a guide to minimizing implementation
dependent features in your programs if portability to other compilers
and other operating systems is an important consideration. The numbers
-in each section below correspond to the paragraph number in the Ada 95
+in each section below correspond to the paragraph number in the Ada
Reference Manual.
@sp 1
@end cartouche
@noindent
The first constraint on ordering is that it meets the requirements of
-chapter 10 of the Ada 95 Reference Manual. This still leaves some
+Chapter 10 of the Ada Reference Manual. This still leaves some
implementation dependent choices, which are resolved by first
-elaborating bodies as early as possible (i.e.@: in preference to specs
+elaborating bodies as early as possible (i.e., in preference to specs
where there is a choice), and second by evaluating the immediate with
clauses of a unit to determine the probably best choice, and
third by elaborating in alphabetical order of unit names
@strong{42}. Implementation-defined check names. See 11.5(27).
@end cartouche
@noindent
-No implementation-defined check names are supported.
+The implementation defined check name Alignment_Check controls checking of
+address clause values for proper alignment (that is, the address supplied
+must be consistent with the alignment of the type).
+
+In addition, a user program can add implementation-defined check names
+by means of the pragma Check_Name.
@sp 1
@cartouche
statement generated by the compiler). The Line parameter when nonzero
represents the line number in the source program where the raise occurs.
-@item No_Exception_Streams
-@findex No_Exception_Streams
+@item No_Exception_Propagation
+@findex No_Exception_Propagation
+This restriction guarantees that exceptions are never propagated to an outer
+subprogram scope). The only case in which an exception may be raised is when
+the handler is statically in the same subprogram, so that the effect of a raise
+is essentially like a goto statement. Any other raise statement (implicit or
+explicit) will be considered unhandled. Exception handlers are allowed, but may
+not contain an exception occurrence identifier (exception choice). In addition
+use of the package GNAT.Current_Exception is not permitted, and reraise
+statements (raise with no operand) are not permitted.
+
+@item No_Exception_Registration
+@findex No_Exception_Registration
This restriction ensures at compile time that no stream operations for
types Exception_Id or Exception_Occurrence are used. This also makes it
impossible to pass exceptions to or from a partition with this restriction
@findex No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code
This restriction prevents the compiler from building ``trampolines''.
This is a structure that is built on the stack and contains dynamic
-code to be executed at run time. A trampoline is needed to indirectly
-address a nested subprogram (that is a subprogram that is not at the
-library level). The restriction prevents the use of any of the
-attributes @code{Address}, @code{Access} or @code{Unrestricted_Access}
-being applied to a subprogram that is not at the library level.
+code to be executed at run time. On some targets, a trampoline is
+built for the following features: @code{Access},
+@code{Unrestricted_Access}, or @code{Address} of a nested subprogram;
+nested task bodies; primitive operations of nested tagged types.
+Trampolines do not work on machines that prevent execution of stack
+data. For example, on windows systems, enabling DEP (data execution
+protection) will cause trampolines to raise an exception.
@item No_Implicit_Loops
@findex No_Implicit_Loops
implicit @code{for} loops, either by modifying
the generated code where possible,
or by rejecting any construct that would otherwise generate an implicit
-@code{for} loop.
+@code{for} loop. If this restriction is active, it is possible to build
+large array aggregates with all static components without generating an
+intermediate temporary, and without generating a loop to initialize individual
+components..Otherwise, a loop is created for arrays larger than about 5000
+scalar components.
@item No_Initialize_Scalars
@findex No_Initialize_Scalars
In the case of aggregates with others, if the aggregate has a dynamic
size, there is no way to eliminate the elaboration code (such dynamic
-bounds would be incompatible with @code{Preelaborate} in any case. If
+bounds would be incompatible with @code{Preelaborate} in any case). If
the bounds are static, then use of this restriction actually modifies
the code choice of the compiler to avoid generating a loop, and instead
generate the aggregate statically if possible, no matter how many times
@findex No_Implementation_Attributes
This restriction checks at compile time that no GNAT-defined attributes
are present. With this restriction, the only attributes that can be used
-are those defined in the Ada 95 Reference Manual.
+are those defined in the Ada Reference Manual.
@item No_Implementation_Pragmas
@findex No_Implementation_Pragmas
This restriction checks at compile time that no GNAT-defined pragmas
are present. With this restriction, the only pragmas that can be used
-are those defined in the Ada 95 Reference Manual.
+are those defined in the Ada Reference Manual.
@item No_Implementation_Restrictions
@findex No_Implementation_Restrictions
This restriction checks at compile time that no GNAT-defined restriction
identifiers (other than @code{No_Implementation_Restrictions} itself)
are present. With this restriction, the only other restriction identifiers
-that can be used are those defined in the Ada 95 Reference Manual.
+that can be used are those defined in the Ada Reference Manual.
@item No_Wide_Characters
@findex No_Wide_Characters
@noindent
The result of this attribute is a string that identifies
the object or component that denotes a given task. If a variable Var has a task
-type, the image for this task will have the form Var_XXXXXXXX, where the sufffix
+type, the image for this task will have the form Var_XXXXXXXX, where the
+suffix
is the hexadecimal representation of the virtual address of the corresponding
task control block. If the variable is an array of tasks, the image of each
task will have the form of an indexed component indicating the position of a
designates this task.
@noindent
If a task is created by an allocator, its image depends on the context. If the
-allocator is part of an object declaration, the rules described above are used
-to construct its image, and this image is not affected by subsequent assignments. If the allocator appears within an expression, the image
+allocator is part of an object declaration, the rules described above are used
+to construct its image, and this image is not affected by subsequent
+assignments. If the allocator appears within an expression, the image
includes only the name of the task type.
@noindent
If the configuration pragma Discard_Names is present, or if the restriction
@end cartouche
@noindent
The ceiling priority of protected objects of the type
-@code{System.Interrupt_Priority'Last} as described in the Ada 95
+@code{System.Interrupt_Priority'Last} as described in the Ada
Reference Manual D.3(10),
@sp 1
@section Rotate_Left
@cindex Rotate_Left
@noindent
-In standard Ada 95, the @code{Rotate_Left} function is available only
+In standard Ada, the @code{Rotate_Left} function is available only
for the predefined modular types in package @code{Interfaces}. However, in
GNAT it is possible to define a Rotate_Left function for a user
defined modular type or any signed integer type as in this example:
@end itemize
@noindent
-An alignment clause may
-always specify a larger alignment than the default value, up to some
-maximum value dependent on the target (obtainable by using the
-attribute reference @code{Standard'Maximum_Alignment}).
-The only case where
-it is permissible to specify a smaller alignment than the default value
-is for a record with a record representation clause.
-In this case, packable fields for which a component clause is
-given still result in a default alignment corresponding to the original
-type, but this may be overridden, since these components in fact only
-require an alignment of one byte. For example, given
+An alignment clause may specify a larger alignment than the default value
+up to some maximum value dependent on the target (obtainable by using the
+attribute reference @code{Standard'Maximum_Alignment}). It may also specify
+a smaller alignment than the default value, for example
@smallexample @c ada
type V is record
A : Integer;
end record;
- for V use record
- A at 0 range 0 .. 31;
- end record;
-
for V'alignment use 1;
@end smallexample
@noindent
@cindex Alignment, default
The default alignment for the type @code{V} is 4, as a result of the
-Integer field in the record, but since this field is placed with a
-component clause, it is permissible, as shown, to override the default
-alignment of the record with a smaller value.
+Integer field in the record, but it is permissible, as shown, to
+override the default alignment of the record with a smaller value.
@node Size Clauses
@section Size Clauses
@cindex Size, of objects
@noindent
-In Ada 95, @code{T'Size} for a type @code{T} is the minimum number of bits
-required to hold values of type @code{T}. Although this interpretation was
-allowed in Ada 83, it was not required, and this requirement in practice
-can cause some significant difficulties. For example, in most Ada 83
-compilers, @code{Natural'Size} was 32. However, in Ada 95,
+In Ada 95 and Ada 2005, @code{T'Size} for a type @code{T} is the minimum
+number of bits required to hold values of type @code{T}.
+Although this interpretation was allowed in Ada 83, it was not required,
+and this requirement in practice can cause some significant difficulties.
+For example, in most Ada 83 compilers, @code{Natural'Size} was 32.
+However, in Ada 95 and Ada 2005,
@code{Natural'Size} is
typically 31. This means that code may change in behavior when moving
-from Ada 83 to Ada 95. For example, consider:
+from Ada 83 to Ada 95 or Ada 2005. For example, consider:
@smallexample @c ada
type Rec is record;
@noindent
In the above code, since the typical size of @code{Natural} objects
is 32 bits and @code{Natural'Size} is 31, the above code can cause
-unexpected inefficient packing in Ada 95, and in general there are
-cases where the fact that the object size can exceed the
+unexpected inefficient packing in Ada 95 and Ada 2005, and in general
+there are cases where the fact that the object size can exceed the
size of the type causes surprises.
To help get around this problem GNAT provides two implementation
@end smallexample
@noindent
-Note: the entries marked ``3*'' are not actually specified by the Ada 95 RM,
-but it seems in the spirit of the RM rules to allocate the minimum number
-of bits (here 3, given the range for @code{x2})
+Note: the entries marked ``3*'' are not actually specified by the Ada
+Reference Manual, but it seems in the spirit of the RM rules to allocate
+the minimum number of bits (here 3, given the range for @code{x2})
known to be large enough to hold the given range of values.
So far, so good, but GNAT has to obey the RM rules, so the question is
and the size of the array @code{ar} will be exactly 40 bits.
Note that in some cases this rather fierce approach to packing can produce
-unexpected effects. For example, in Ada 95, type Natural typically has a
-size of 31, meaning that if you pack an array of Natural, you get 31-bit
+unexpected effects. For example, in Ada 95 and Ada 2005,
+subtype @code{Natural} typically has a size of 31, meaning that if you
+pack an array of @code{Natural}, you get 31-bit
close packing, which saves a few bits, but results in far less efficient
access. Since many other Ada compilers will ignore such a packing request,
GNAT will generate a warning on some uses of pragma @code{Pack} that it guesses
since typically @code{Natural'Size} is 32 in Ada 83, and in any case most
Ada 83 compilers did not attempt 31 bit packing.
-In Ada 95, @code{Natural'Size} is required to be 31. Furthermore, GNAT really
-does pack 31-bit subtype to 31 bits. This may result in a substantial
-unintended performance penalty when porting legacy Ada 83 code. To help
-prevent this, GNAT generates a warning in such cases. If you really want 31
-bit packing in a case like this, you can set the component size explicitly:
+In Ada 95 and Ada 2005, @code{Natural'Size} is required to be 31. Furthermore,
+GNAT really does pack 31-bit subtype to 31 bits. This may result in a
+substantial unintended performance penalty when porting legacy Ada 83 code.
+To help prevent this, GNAT generates a warning in such cases. If you really
+want 31 bit packing in a case like this, you can set the component size
+explicitly:
@smallexample @c ada
type Arr is array (1 .. 32) of Natural;
check Alignment_Check is suppressed, or if
@code{pragma Restrictions (No_Elaboration_Code)} is in effect.
+Finally, GNAT does not permit overlaying of objects of controlled types or
+composite types containing a controlled component. In most cases, the compiler
+can detect an attempt at such overlays and will generate a warning at compile
+time and a Program_Error exception at run time.
+
@findex Export
An address clause cannot be given for an exported object. More
understandably the real restriction is that objects with an address
and @code{B} become aliased to one another via the
address clause. This use of address clauses to overlay
variables, achieving an effect similar to unchecked
-conversion was erroneous in Ada 83, but in Ada 95
+conversion was erroneous in Ada 83, but in Ada 95 and Ada 2005
the effect is implementation defined. Furthermore, the
-Ada 95 RM specifically recommends that in a situation
+Ada RM specifically recommends that in a situation
like this, @code{B} should be subject to the following
implementation advice (RM 13.3(19)):
Ada enumeration type, then the size is modified as necessary (usually to
32 bits) to be consistent with the C convention for enum values.
+Note that this treatment applies only to types. If Convention C is given for
+an enumeration object, where the enumeration type is not Convention C, then
+Object_Size bits are allocated. For example, for a normal enumeration type,
+with less than 256 elements, only 8 bits will be allocated for the object.
+Since this may be a surprise in terms of what C expects, GNAT will issue a
+warning in this situation. The warning can be suppressed by giving an explicit
+size clause specifying the desired size.
+
@item Convention C/Fortran and Boolean types
In C, the usual convention for boolean values, that is values used for
conditions, is that zero represents false, and nonzero values represent
@chapter Standard Library Routines
@noindent
-The Ada 95 Reference Manual contains in Annex A a full description of an
+The Ada Reference Manual contains in Annex A a full description of an
extensive set of standard library routines that can be used in any Ada
program, and which must be provided by all Ada compilers. They are
analogous to the standard C library used by C programs.
GNAT implements all of the facilities described in annex A, and for most
-purposes the description in the Ada 95
-reference manual, or appropriate Ada
+purposes the description in the Ada Reference Manual, or appropriate Ada
text book, will be sufficient for making use of these facilities.
In the case of the input-output facilities,
@xref{The Implementation of Standard I/O},
gives details on exactly how GNAT interfaces to the
-file system. For the remaining packages, the Ada 95 reference manual
+file system. For the remaining packages, the Ada Reference Manual
should be sufficient. The following is a list of the packages included,
together with a brief description of the functionality that is provided.
For completeness, references are included to other predefined library
-routines defined in other sections of the Ada 95 reference manual (these are
-cross-indexed from annex A).
+routines defined in other sections of the Ada Reference Manual (these are
+cross-indexed from Annex A).
@table @code
@item Ada (A.2)
A pointer other than a pointer to an unconstrained array type may be
converted to and from System.Address. Such usage is common in Ada 83
programs, but note that Ada.Address_To_Access_Conversions is the
-preferred method of performing such conversions in Ada 95. Neither
+preferred method of performing such conversions in Ada 95 and Ada 2005.
+Neither
unchecked conversion nor Ada.Address_To_Access_Conversions should be
used in conjunction with pointers to unconstrained objects, since
the bounds information cannot be handled correctly in this case.
@noindent
GNAT implements all the required input-output facilities described in
-A.6 through A.14. These sections of the Ada 95 reference manual describe the
+A.6 through A.14. These sections of the Ada Reference Manual describe the
required behavior of these packages from the Ada point of view, and if
you are writing a portable Ada program that does not need to know the
exact manner in which Ada maps to the outside world when it comes to
reading or writing external files, then you do not need to read this
chapter. As long as your files are all regular files (not pipes or
devices), and as long as you write and read the files only from Ada, the
-description in the Ada 95 reference manual is sufficient.
+description in the Ada Reference Manual is sufficient.
However, if you want to do input-output to pipes or other devices, such
as the keyboard or screen, or if the files you are dealing with are
clearly incorrect, since there is only one element in the file, and that
element is the string @code{hello!}.
-In Ada 95, this kind of behavior can be legitimately achieved using
-Stream_IO, and this is the preferred mechanism. In particular, the above
-program fragment rewritten to use Stream_IO will work correctly.
+In Ada 95 and Ada 2005, this kind of behavior can be legitimately achieved
+using Stream_IO, and this is the preferred mechanism. In particular, the
+above program fragment rewritten to use Stream_IO will work correctly.
@node Text_IO
@section Text_IO
the file unless an explicit @code{New_Page} operation was performed
before closing the file.
-A canonical Text_IO file that is a regular file, i.e.@: not a device or a
-pipe, can be read using any of the routines in Text_IO@. The
-semantics in this case will be exactly as defined in the Ada 95 reference
-manual and all the routines in Text_IO are fully implemented.
+A canonical Text_IO file that is a regular file (i.e., not a device or a
+pipe) can be read using any of the routines in Text_IO@. The
+semantics in this case will be exactly as defined in the Ada Reference
+Manual, and all the routines in Text_IO are fully implemented.
A text file that does not meet the requirements for a canonical Text_IO
file has one of the following:
@noindent
A stream file is a sequence of bytes, where individual elements are
-written to the file as described in the Ada 95 reference manual. The type
+written to the file as described in the Ada Reference Manual. The type
@code{Stream_Element} is simply a byte. There are two ways to read or
write a stream file.
@section Shared Files
@noindent
-Section A.14 of the Ada 95 Reference Manual allows implementations to
+Section A.14 of the Ada Reference Manual allows implementations to
provide a wide variety of behavior if an attempt is made to access the
same external file with two or more internal files.
If the form parameter @samp{shared=yes} appears in the form string for
each of two or more files opened using the same full name, the same
stream is shared between these files, and the semantics are as described
-in Ada 95 Reference Manual, Section A.14.
+in Ada Reference Manual, Section A.14.
@end itemize
@noindent
One common use of file sharing in Ada 83 is the use of instantiations of
Sequential_IO on the same file with different types, to achieve
heterogeneous input-output. Although this approach will work in GNAT if
-@samp{shared=yes} is specified, it is preferable in Ada 95 to use Stream_IO
+@samp{shared=yes} is specified, it is preferable in Ada to use Stream_IO
for this purpose (using the stream attributes)
@node Filenames encoding
few modifications required for @code{Latin-9}
The provision of such a package
is specifically authorized by the Ada Reference Manual
-(RM A.3(27)).
+(RM A.3.3(27)).
@node Ada.Characters.Wide_Latin_1 (a-cwila1.ads)
@section @code{Ada.Characters.Wide_Latin_1} (@file{a-cwila1.ads})
types of the constants being @code{Wide_Character}
instead of @code{Character}. The provision of such a package
is specifically authorized by the Ada Reference Manual
-(RM A.3(27)).
+(RM A.3.3(27)).
@node Ada.Characters.Wide_Latin_9 (a-cwila9.ads)
@section @code{Ada.Characters.Wide_Latin_9} (@file{a-cwila1.ads})
types of the constants being @code{Wide_Character}
instead of @code{Character}. The provision of such a package
is specifically authorized by the Ada Reference Manual
-(RM A.3(27)).
+(RM A.3.3(27)).
@node Ada.Characters.Wide_Wide_Latin_1 (a-czila1.ads)
@section @code{Ada.Characters.Wide_Wide_Latin_1} (@file{a-czila1.ads})
types of the constants being @code{Wide_Wide_Character}
instead of @code{Character}. The provision of such a package
is specifically authorized by the Ada Reference Manual
-(RM A.3(27)).
+(RM A.3.3(27)).
@node Ada.Characters.Wide_Wide_Latin_9 (a-czila9.ads)
@section @code{Ada.Characters.Wide_Wide_Latin_9} (@file{a-czila9.ads})
types of the constants being @code{Wide_Wide_Character}
instead of @code{Character}. The provision of such a package
is specifically authorized by the Ada Reference Manual
-(RM A.3(27)).
+(RM A.3.3(27)).
@node Ada.Command_Line.Remove (a-colire.ads)
@section @code{Ada.Command_Line.Remove} (@file{a-colire.ads})
@cite{Communications of the ACM}, Vol.@: 31 No.@: 8, pp.@: 1008-1013,
Aug.@: 1988. Sarwate, D.V@.
-@noindent
-Provides an extended capability for formatted output of time values with
-full user control over the format. Modeled on the GNU Date specification.
-
@node GNAT.Case_Util (g-casuti.ads)
@section @code{GNAT.Case_Util} (@file{g-casuti.ads})
@cindex @code{GNAT.Case_Util} (@file{g-casuti.ads})
@noindent
Provides access to information on the current exception that has been raised
-without the need for using the Ada-95 exception choice parameter specification
-syntax. This is particularly useful in simulating typical facilities for
+without the need for using the Ada 95 / Ada 2005 exception choice parameter
+specification syntax.
+This is particularly useful in simulating typical facilities for
obtaining information about exceptions provided by Ada 83 compilers.
@node GNAT.Debug_Pools (g-debpoo.ads)
for hexadecimal literals.
@node GNAT.Directory_Operations (g-dirope.ads)
-@section @code{GNAT.Directory_Operations} (g-dirope.ads)
-@cindex @code{GNAT.Directory_Operations} (g-dirope.ads)
+@section @code{GNAT.Directory_Operations} (@file{g-dirope.ads})
+@cindex @code{GNAT.Directory_Operations} (@file{g-dirope.ads})
@cindex Directory operations
@noindent
@cindex Threads, foreign
@noindent
-Provides facilities for creating and destroying threads with explicit calls.
-These threads are known to the GNAT run-time system. These subprograms are
-exported C-convention procedures intended to be called from foreign code.
-By using these primitives rather than directly calling operating systems
-routines, compatibility with the Ada tasking run-time is provided.
+Provides facilities for dealing with foreign threads which need to be known
+by the GNAT run-time system. Consult the documentation of this package for
+further details if your program has threads that are created by a non-Ada
+environment which then accesses Ada code.
@node GNAT.Traceback (g-traceb.ads)
@section @code{GNAT.Traceback} (@file{g-traceb.ads})
@noindent
Provides symbolic traceback information that includes the subprogram
-name and line number information.
+name and line number information. Note that this capability is not available
+on all targets, see g-trasym.ads for list of supported targets.
@node GNAT.Wide_String_Split (g-wistsp.ads)
@section @code{GNAT.Wide_String_Split} (@file{g-wistsp.ads})
@cindex Run-time restrictions access
@noindent
-This package provides facilities for accessing at run-time
+This package provides facilities for accessing at run time
the status of restrictions specified at compile time for
the partition. Information is available both with regard
to actual restrictions specified, and with regard to
@node Interfacing to Other Languages
@chapter Interfacing to Other Languages
@noindent
-The facilities in annex B of the Ada 95 Reference Manual are fully
+The facilities in annex B of the Ada Reference Manual are fully
implemented in GNAT, and in addition, a full interface to C++ is
provided.
@noindent
Interfacing to COBOL is achieved as described in section B.4 of
-the Ada 95 reference manual.
+the Ada Reference Manual.
@node Interfacing to Fortran
@section Interfacing to Fortran
@noindent
Interfacing to Fortran is achieved as described in section B.5 of the
-reference manual. The pragma @code{Convention Fortran}, applied to a
+Ada Reference Manual. The pragma @code{Convention Fortran}, applied to a
multi-dimensional array causes the array to be stored in column-major
order as required for convenient interface to Fortran.
It is possible to specify the convention @code{Ada} in a pragma
@code{Import} or pragma @code{Export}. However this refers to
the calling conventions used by GNAT, which may or may not be
-similar enough to those used by some other Ada 83 or Ada 95
+similar enough to those used by some other Ada 83 / Ada 95 / Ada 2005
compiler to allow interoperation.
If arguments types are kept simple, and if the foreign compiler generally
@chapter Specialized Needs Annexes
@noindent
-Ada 95 defines a number of specialized needs annexes, which are not
+Ada 95 and Ada 2005 define a number of Specialized Needs Annexes, which are not
required in all implementations. However, as described in this chapter,
-GNAT implements all of these special needs annexes:
+GNAT implements all of these annexes:
@table @asis
@item Systems Programming (Annex C)
@item Numerics (Annex G)
The Numerics Annex is fully implemented.
-@item Safety and Security (Annex H)
-The Safety and Security annex is fully implemented.
+@item Safety and Security / High-Integrity Systems (Annex H)
+The Safety and Security Annex (termed the High-Integrity Systems Annex
+in Ada 2005) is fully implemented.
@end table
@node Implementation of Specific Ada Features
* GNAT Implementation of Shared Passive Packages::
* Code Generation for Array Aggregates::
* The Size of Discriminated Records with Default Discriminants::
-* Strict Conformance to the Ada 95 Reference Manual::
+* Strict Conformance to the Ada Reference Manual::
@end menu
@node Machine Code Insertions
@section Machine Code Insertions
+@cindex Machine Code insertions
@noindent
Package @code{Machine_Code} provides machine code support as described
-in the Ada 95 Reference Manual in two separate forms:
+in the Ada Reference Manual in two separate forms:
@itemize @bullet
@item
Machine code statements, consisting of qualified expressions that
and use of the facilities in this package requires understanding the asm
instruction as described in @cite{Using the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC)}
by Richard Stallman. The relevant section is titled ``Extensions to the C
-Language Family'' -> ``Assembler Instructions with C Expression Operands''.
+Language Family'' @result{} ``Assembler Instructions with C Expression
+Operands''.
Calls to the function @code{Asm} and the procedure @code{Asm} have identical
semantic restrictions and effects as described below. Both are provided so
would have
been stored as a pointer to a dynamic string). Following the principle that
dynamic storage management should never be introduced implicitly,
-an Ada95 compiler should reserve the full size for an unconstrained declared
+an Ada compiler should reserve the full size for an unconstrained declared
object, and place it on the stack.
This maximum size approach
say) must be consistent, so it is imperative that the object, once created,
remain invariant.
-@node Strict Conformance to the Ada 95 Reference Manual
-@section Strict Conformance to the Ada 95 Reference Manual
+@node Strict Conformance to the Ada Reference Manual
+@section Strict Conformance to the Ada Reference Manual
@noindent
-The dynamic semantics defined by the Ada 95 Reference Manual impose a set of
+The dynamic semantics defined by the Ada Reference Manual impose a set of
run-time checks to be generated. By default, the GNAT compiler will insert many
run-time checks into the compiled code, including most of those required by the
-Ada 95 Reference Manual. However, there are three checks that are not enabled
+Ada Reference Manual. However, there are three checks that are not enabled
in the default mode for efficiency reasons: arithmetic overflow checking for
integer operations (including division by zero), checks for access before
elaboration on subprogram calls, and stack overflow checking (most operating
systems do not perform this check by default).
-Strict conformance to the Ada 95 Reference Manual can be achieved by adding
+Strict conformance to the Ada Reference Manual can be achieved by adding
three compiler options for overflow checking for integer operations
(@option{-gnato}), dynamic checks for access-before-elaboration on subprogram
calls and generic instantiations (@option{-gnatE}), and stack overflow
@section Reserved Words
@noindent
-All Ada95 reserved words are reserved in project files, and cannot be used
+All Ada reserved words are reserved in project files, and cannot be used
as variable names or project names. In addition, the following are
also reserved in project files:
@section Lexical Elements
@noindent
-Rules for identifiers are the same as in Ada95. Identifiers
+Rules for identifiers are the same as in Ada. Identifiers
are case-insensitive. Strings are case sensitive, except where noted.
-Comments have the same form as in Ada95.
+Comments have the same form as in Ada.
@noindent
Syntax:
Expression must be a list of path names. The attribute
defines the directories in which the source files for the project are to be
found. If not specified, source files are found in the project directory.
+If a string in the list ends with "/**", then the directory that precedes
+"/**" and all of its subdirectories (recursively) are included in the list
+of source directories.
+
+@item Excluded_Source_Dirs
+Expression must be a list of strings. Each entry designates a directory that
+is not to be included in the list of source directories of the project.
+This is normally used when there are strings ending with "/**" in the value
+of attribute Source_Dirs.
@item Source_Files
Expression must be a list of file names. The attribute
information. If the project has no sources the attribute must be declared
explicitly with an empty list.
+@item Excluded_Source_Files (Locally_Removed_Files)
+Expression must be a list of strings that are legal file names.
+Each file name must designate a source that would normally be a source file
+in the source directories of the project or, if the project file is an
+extending project file, inherited by the current project file. It cannot
+designate an immediate source that is not inherited. Each of the source files
+in the list are not considered to be sources of the project file: they are not
+inherited. Attribute Locally_Removed_Files is obsolescent, attribute
+Excluded_Source_Files is preferred.
+
@item Source_List_File
Expression must a single path name. The attribute
defines a text file that contains a list of source file names to be used
Expression must be a single string. Its value is the single file name of a
symbol file to be created when building a stand-alone library when the
symbol policy is either "compliant", "controlled" or "restricted",
-on platforms that support symbol control, such as VMS.
+on platforms that support symbol control, such as VMS. When symbol policy
+is "direct", then a file with this name must exist in the object directory.
@item Library_Reference_Symbol_File
-Expression must be a single string. Its value is the single file name of a
+Expression must be a single string. Its value is the path name of a
reference symbol file that is read when the symbol policy is either
"compliant" or "controlled", on platforms that support symbol control,
-such as VMS, when building a stand-alone library.
+such as VMS, when building a stand-alone library. The path may be an absolute
+path or a path relative to the project directory.
@item Library_Symbol_Policy
Expression must be a single string. Its case-insensitive value can only be
-"autonomous", "default", "compliant", "controlled" or "restricted".
+"autonomous", "default", "compliant", "controlled", "restricted" or "direct".
This attribute is not taken into account on all platforms. It controls the
policy for exported symbols and, on some platforms (like VMS) that have the
the exported symbols of the object files of the interfaces. Additional symbols
in the object files are not added to the symbol file.
+"direct": The attribute Library_Symbol_File must be defined and must designate
+an existing file in the object directory. This symbol file is passed directly
+to the underlying linker without any symbol processing.
+
@item Main
Expression must be a list of strings that are legal file names.
These file names designate existing compilation units in the source directory
Expression must be a string list. Each string designates
a programming language that is known to GNAT. The strings are case-insensitive.
-@item Locally_Removed_Files
-This attribute is legal only in a project file that extends another.
-Expression must be a list of strings that are legal file names.
-Each file name must designate a source that would normally be inherited
-by the current project file. It cannot designate an immediate source that is
-not inherited. Each of the source files in the list are not considered to
-be sources of the project file: they are not inherited.
@end table
@node Attribute References
@section Case Construction
@noindent
-A case construction supports attribute declarations that depend on the value of
-a previously declared variable.
+A case construction supports attribute and variable declarations that depend
+on the value of a previously declared variable.
Syntax:
@smallexample
case_item ::=
@b{when} discrete_choice_list =>
- @{case_construction | attribute_declaration | empty_declaration@}
+ @{case_construction |
+ attribute_declaration |
+ variable_declaration |
+ empty_declaration@}
discrete_choice_list ::=
string_literal @{| string_literal@} |
@end smallexample
@noindent
+Inside a case construction, variable declarations must be for variables that
+have already been declared before the case construction.
+
All choices in a choice list must be distinct. The choice lists of two
distinct alternatives must be disjoint. Unlike Ada, the choice lists of all
alternatives do not need to include all values of the type. An @code{others}
This is a simple attribute. Its value is a string that specifies
the command used by the VCS to check the validity of a log file.
+@item VCS_Repository_Root
+The VCS repository root path. This is used to create tags or branches
+of the repository. For subversion the value should be the @code{URL}
+as specified to check-out the working copy of the repository.
+
+@item VCS_Patch_Root
+The local root directory to use for building patch file. All patch chunks
+will be relative to this path. The root project directory is used if
+this value is not defined.
+
@end table
@node Package Renamings