Rick Conn <RCONN@SIMTEL20.ARPA> (11/30/84)
A repository of Ada programs, software components, and
educational material has been established on the SIMTEL20 host
computer on the Defense Data Network. This repository has been
accessible to any host computer on the network since November 26,
1984.
This repository provides a free source for Ada programs. By
using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program, users of DDN hosts are
able to scan the directories of the repository and transfer files to
their hosts. If the files are Ada programs, they may then compile
these programs and use them as they desire. Modifying these programs
may be within their rights, and they may freely distribute these
programs within and without the DoD as they desire, subject to the
restrictions specified for each piece of software in its prologue.
The repository is divided into five main areas:
* Software components
* Tools and applications
* Pointers to other information sources
* Education
* General information and repository index
The software components section consists of packages and other
compilation units which are of general application as building blocks
for programs. For instance, math packages for complex arithmetic,
Fourier transforms, etc, may find their way into this section.
Virtual terminal packages, which read a termcap and provide general-
purpose screen-manipulation routines, are also candidates. Anything
which is transportable (ie, not system-dependent or with provisions
for system independency) and of such a "building block" nature are
candidates for this section.
The tools and applications section is for running programs
which address specific problems and, again, are not system-dependent
or with provisions for system independency. Spelling checkers,
editors, text formatters, communications tools, software development
aids, etc, would all be candidates for this section.
The pointers section contains pointers to other sources for
Ada software, such as large systems which are too big to be placed
into the repository or software which is available to many DDN users
but not to the public in general. A pointer to the Army's Ada
Language System will probably be included here, for instance.
The education section contains various educational vehicles.
Such would be running programs which are solutions to classroom
exercises, and provided herein would be a machine-readable copy of the
exercise, the source to the solution (which should be system
independent), and any other appropriate documentation.
The Ada software repository on SIMTEL20, then, serves two
basic roles: to promote the exchange and use of Ada programs and
tools (including components) and to promote Ada education (especially
by providing several working examples of programs in source form for
people to study and modify).
All members of the Ada community who have access to the
Defense Data Network are encouraged to freely extract information and
programs from the repository as well as make contributions to it. If
the demand warrants, provision may be made at a later date for
providing access to the repository to members of the Ada community who
do not have direct access to the Defense Data Network. The only
restrictions which apply to the access and use of this software are
presented in the "Distribution and Copyright" section of the prologue
associated with each piece of software.
-------Pugh.PA@XEROX.ARPA (12/04/84)
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