[dmh2000]

I took my first university course in Ada in 1981. I also worked for a company that provided an Ada runtime in the mid 80's.

Ada was sabotaged early on because it was 'mandated' by the DOD for new programs. That meant that all the usual suspects, like Lockheed, GD , TI (I don't remember exactly which ones) came up with Ada compilers and runtimes that cost on the order of $10K per seat. The typical military contractor ripoff. So it was impossible for individuals or small companies to use Ada on their own dime. It was only feasible if the cost was rolled into a larger (bloated) defense contract. So it couldn't get a following. Of course much later on free versions became available but it was too late.

That said, Ada was absolutely no fun to program with. It was awkward and verbose. I hated it from the get go, compared to the alternatives. If it is so super why is rarely used.

[peter303]

Amazing, since the first ADA compiler wasnt released until 1983. You'll make those HR people happy who want candidates with 10 years of experience in 2 year old languages.

[phkahler]

>> That meant that all the usual suspects, like Lockheed, GD , TI (I don't remember exactly which ones) came up with Ada compilers and runtimes that cost on the order of $10K per seat.

I always wondered why I've never seen it used outside government work. Your explanation seems incredibly obvious after reading it.