[tkoskine]

> ... the ability to refactor large-scale software without breaking anything ... and no low-level programming language except for Rust has it.

Ada has had the same characteristics since '83. Thanks to strict typing (among other features), Ada programmers have enjoyed "safe" code refactoring for decades.

But it is nice that new languages like Rust are finally picking similar ideas and design choices.

[sfkdjf9j3j]

Ada languished for years with expensive, proprietary compilers and a community that largely ignored open source culture. Is it any surprise that Rust is having more success breaking into the modern mainstream software world?

[hu3]

I fail to see how your parent implied surprise.

[jplayer01]

I don't feel the comment was made in an adversarial way. Just pointing out some reasons why Ada didn't become widespread. There are plenty of decent languages with great high-level constructs and features that failed to gain/maintain meaningful industry penetration after C hit the stage. I'd say Ada is just another victim of that success, along with the issues he mentions. It's unfortunate, but that's how it is. Maybe Rust can reach a wider audience in a way Ada was unable to, while providing similar safety guarantees.