Re-engineering global variables in Ada

This paper describes one method for identifying global variables in Ada procedures and adding them to the parameter list of appropriate procedures. Global variables, ones that are visible to the entire program, are considered harmful to the maintainability of software systems because of the side effects that can result. A tool has been developed based on the Ada Semantic Interface Specification (ASIS) that can be used to identify global variables and re-engineer Ada procedures. By adding global variables to the parameter lists of appropriate procedures, the variables can be removed from the globally visible data space and introduced into the local declaration space. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.2.6 [Software Engineering]: Programming Environments – programmer workbench. General Terms: Languages, Verification.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: SIGADA
• Authors: Ricky E. Sward, A. T. Chamillard
• Keywords: Ada Procedures, Appropriate Procedures, Global Variables, SIGADA 2004