Programming languages: Time for a change?
J. J. Russell · Computer Physics Communications · 1987
Must computer programs read like, well, computer programs?An overview of the software needs of the high-energy physics community and how modern languages can meet these needs is given.Using ADA as an example, the production of readable, efficient and maintainable code is shown to be directly supported by the language, integrating concepts such as top-down design, object-oriented programming and data encapsulation as a natural part of the language rather than as foreign ideas imposed on the language.Particular attention is paid to nontraditional aspects of a language and how these can help by providing an integrated support environment for all phases of the lifetime of the software.