Chris,
>Your question of programming style
Uggg, I hope I did not mention the dreaded S word.
> is exactly the same one that lead me towards PPIG. What should we do
> about function size, indentation and indentation level, identifiers, and
> identifier length? Issues like domain distinctly affect programming
> stylistics, and how the language is applied to solve a specific problem.
Coding guidelines need an aim. In MISRA's case it is to increase the
reliability of software used in vehicles. I don't think that guidelines
can directly serve that purpose, but that is another discussion.
My aim is to produce guidelines that reduce the cost of software
ownership. To give an example. Companies are producing new digital
cameras every six months. Falling behind in this cycle can have serious
financial implications for the continued viability of that company in that
market. Developers have to produce software in a very short time frame.
Using existing software can save time and money, but modifying it requires
that the new developers (the previous ones from the last product have
usually burnt out or left the company) need to understand how it works.
What are the human factors that can increase program readability?
How much would it cost to add them (or build them in in the first place)?
How much would be saved by having software written with a view to these
human factors? These are the questions that commercial companies ask.
Programmers don't like being told how to write code. In the case of
vehicle based software the possibility of dead bodies and lawsuits has
caught senior managements attention.
MISRA are planning to review their guidelines in the new year. I will
post information to this list when it happens. I think they could use
some input from PPIG. You never know, some of the larger companies
might even stump up some money for research.
Style issues are usually best ignored. Well written English, to change
language domain, stays well written in a London, Midlands or Cornish
accent.
derek
--
Derek M Jones tel: +44 (0)
1252 520 667
Knowledge Software
Ltd mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Applications Standards Conformance Testing http://www.knosof.co.uk
