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@settitle GNAT Reference Manual
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@dircategory GNU Ada Tools
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GNAT Reference Manual , Jan 03, 2022
AdaCore
Copyright @copyright{} 2008-2022, Free Software Foundation
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@titlepage
@title GNAT Reference Manual
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@contents
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@emph{GNAT, The GNU Ada Development Environment}
@include gcc-common.texi
GCC version @value{version-GCC}@*
AdaCore
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no
Invariant Sections, with the Front-Cover Texts being “GNAT Reference
Manual”, and with no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license is
included in the section entitled @ref{1,,GNU Free Documentation License}.
@menu
* About This Guide::
* Implementation Defined Pragmas::
* Implementation Defined Aspects::
* Implementation Defined Attributes::
* Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions::
* Implementation Advice::
* Implementation Defined Characteristics::
* Intrinsic Subprograms::
* Representation Clauses and Pragmas::
* Standard Library Routines::
* The Implementation of Standard I/O::
* The GNAT Library::
* Interfacing to Other Languages::
* Specialized Needs Annexes::
* Implementation of Specific Ada Features::
* Implementation of Ada 2012 Features::
* Security Hardening Features::
* Obsolescent Features::
* Compatibility and Porting Guide::
* GNU Free Documentation License::
* Index::
@detailmenu
--- The Detailed Node Listing ---
About This Guide
* What This Reference Manual Contains::
* Conventions::
* Related Information::
Implementation Defined Pragmas
* Pragma Abort_Defer::
* Pragma Abstract_State::
* Pragma Ada_83::
* Pragma Ada_95::
* Pragma Ada_05::
* Pragma Ada_2005::
* Pragma Ada_12::
* Pragma Ada_2012::
* Pragma Aggregate_Individually_Assign::
* Pragma Allow_Integer_Address::
* Pragma Annotate::
* Pragma Assert::
* Pragma Assert_And_Cut::
* Pragma Assertion_Policy::
* Pragma Assume::
* Pragma Assume_No_Invalid_Values::
* Pragma Async_Readers::
* Pragma Async_Writers::
* Pragma Attribute_Definition::
* Pragma C_Pass_By_Copy::
* Pragma Check::
* Pragma Check_Float_Overflow::
* Pragma Check_Name::
* Pragma Check_Policy::
* Pragma Comment::
* Pragma Common_Object::
* Pragma Compile_Time_Error::
* Pragma Compile_Time_Warning::
* Pragma Complete_Representation::
* Pragma Complex_Representation::
* Pragma Component_Alignment::
* Pragma Constant_After_Elaboration::
* Pragma Contract_Cases::
* Pragma Convention_Identifier::
* Pragma CPP_Class::
* Pragma CPP_Constructor::
* Pragma CPP_Virtual::
* Pragma CPP_Vtable::
* Pragma CPU::
* Pragma Deadline_Floor::
* Pragma Default_Initial_Condition::
* Pragma Debug::
* Pragma Debug_Policy::
* Pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order::
* Pragma Default_Storage_Pool::
* Pragma Depends::
* Pragma Detect_Blocking::
* Pragma Disable_Atomic_Synchronization::
* Pragma Dispatching_Domain::
* Pragma Effective_Reads::
* Pragma Effective_Writes::
* Pragma Elaboration_Checks::
* Pragma Eliminate::
* Pragma Enable_Atomic_Synchronization::
* Pragma Export_Function::
* Pragma Export_Object::
* Pragma Export_Procedure::
* Pragma Export_Valued_Procedure::
* Pragma Extend_System::
* Pragma Extensions_Allowed::
* Pragma Extensions_Visible::
* Pragma External::
* Pragma External_Name_Casing::
* Pragma Fast_Math::
* Pragma Favor_Top_Level::
* Pragma Finalize_Storage_Only::
* Pragma Float_Representation::
* Pragma Ghost::
* Pragma Global::
* Pragma Ident::
* Pragma Ignore_Pragma::
* Pragma Implementation_Defined::
* Pragma Implemented::
* Pragma Implicit_Packing::
* Pragma Import_Function::
* Pragma Import_Object::
* Pragma Import_Procedure::
* Pragma Import_Valued_Procedure::
* Pragma Independent::
* Pragma Independent_Components::
* Pragma Initial_Condition::
* Pragma Initialize_Scalars::
* Pragma Initializes::
* Pragma Inline_Always::
* Pragma Inline_Generic::
* Pragma Interface::
* Pragma Interface_Name::
* Pragma Interrupt_Handler::
* Pragma Interrupt_State::
* Pragma Invariant::
* Pragma Keep_Names::
* Pragma License::
* Pragma Link_With::
* Pragma Linker_Alias::
* Pragma Linker_Constructor::
* Pragma Linker_Destructor::
* Pragma Linker_Section::
* Pragma Lock_Free::
* Pragma Loop_Invariant::
* Pragma Loop_Optimize::
* Pragma Loop_Variant::
* Pragma Machine_Attribute::
* Pragma Main::
* Pragma Main_Storage::
* Pragma Max_Queue_Length::
* Pragma No_Body::
* Pragma No_Caching::
* Pragma No_Component_Reordering::
* Pragma No_Elaboration_Code_All::
* Pragma No_Heap_Finalization::
* Pragma No_Inline::
* Pragma No_Return::
* Pragma No_Strict_Aliasing::
* Pragma No_Tagged_Streams::
* Pragma Normalize_Scalars::
* Pragma Obsolescent::
* Pragma Optimize_Alignment::
* Pragma Ordered::
* Pragma Overflow_Mode::
* Pragma Overriding_Renamings::
* Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy::
* Pragma Part_Of::
* Pragma Passive::
* Pragma Persistent_BSS::
* Pragma Post::
* Pragma Postcondition::
* Pragma Post_Class::
* Pragma Pre::
* Pragma Precondition::
* Pragma Predicate::
* Pragma Predicate_Failure::
* Pragma Preelaborable_Initialization::
* Pragma Prefix_Exception_Messages::
* Pragma Pre_Class::
* Pragma Priority_Specific_Dispatching::
* Pragma Profile::
* Pragma Profile_Warnings::
* Pragma Propagate_Exceptions::
* Pragma Provide_Shift_Operators::
* Pragma Psect_Object::
* Pragma Pure_Function::
* Pragma Rational::
* Pragma Ravenscar::
* Pragma Refined_Depends::
* Pragma Refined_Global::
* Pragma Refined_Post::
* Pragma Refined_State::
* Pragma Relative_Deadline::
* Pragma Remote_Access_Type::
* Pragma Rename_Pragma::
* Pragma Restricted_Run_Time::
* Pragma Restriction_Warnings::
* Pragma Reviewable::
* Pragma Secondary_Stack_Size::
* Pragma Share_Generic::
* Pragma Shared::
* Pragma Short_Circuit_And_Or::
* Pragma Short_Descriptors::
* Pragma Simple_Storage_Pool_Type::
* Pragma Source_File_Name::
* Pragma Source_File_Name_Project::
* Pragma Source_Reference::
* Pragma SPARK_Mode::
* Pragma Static_Elaboration_Desired::
* Pragma Stream_Convert::
* Pragma Style_Checks::
* Pragma Subtitle::
* Pragma Suppress::
* Pragma Suppress_All::
* Pragma Suppress_Debug_Info::
* Pragma Suppress_Exception_Locations::
* Pragma Suppress_Initialization::
* Pragma Task_Name::
* Pragma Task_Storage::
* Pragma Test_Case::
* Pragma Thread_Local_Storage::
* Pragma Time_Slice::
* Pragma Title::
* Pragma Type_Invariant::
* Pragma Type_Invariant_Class::
* Pragma Unchecked_Union::
* Pragma Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old::
* Pragma Unimplemented_Unit::
* Pragma Universal_Aliasing::
* Pragma Unmodified::
* Pragma Unreferenced::
* Pragma Unreferenced_Objects::
* Pragma Unreserve_All_Interrupts::
* Pragma Unsuppress::
* Pragma Use_VADS_Size::
* Pragma Unused::
* Pragma Validity_Checks::
* Pragma Volatile::
* Pragma Volatile_Full_Access::
* Pragma Volatile_Function::
* Pragma Warning_As_Error::
* Pragma Warnings::
* Pragma Weak_External::
* Pragma Wide_Character_Encoding::
Implementation Defined Aspects
* Aspect Abstract_State::
* Aspect Annotate::
* Aspect Async_Readers::
* Aspect Async_Writers::
* Aspect Constant_After_Elaboration::
* Aspect Contract_Cases::
* Aspect Depends::
* Aspect Default_Initial_Condition::
* Aspect Dimension::
* Aspect Dimension_System::
* Aspect Disable_Controlled::
* Aspect Effective_Reads::
* Aspect Effective_Writes::
* Aspect Extensions_Visible::
* Aspect Favor_Top_Level::
* Aspect Ghost::
* Aspect Global::
* Aspect Initial_Condition::
* Aspect Initializes::
* Aspect Inline_Always::
* Aspect Invariant::
* Aspect Invariant’Class::
* Aspect Iterable::
* Aspect Linker_Section::
* Aspect Lock_Free::
* Aspect Max_Queue_Length::
* Aspect No_Caching::
* Aspect No_Elaboration_Code_All::
* Aspect No_Inline::
* Aspect No_Tagged_Streams::
* Aspect No_Task_Parts::
* Aspect Object_Size::
* Aspect Obsolescent::
* Aspect Part_Of::
* Aspect Persistent_BSS::
* Aspect Predicate::
* Aspect Pure_Function::
* Aspect Refined_Depends::
* Aspect Refined_Global::
* Aspect Refined_Post::
* Aspect Refined_State::
* Aspect Relaxed_Initialization::
* Aspect Remote_Access_Type::
* Aspect Secondary_Stack_Size::
* Aspect Scalar_Storage_Order::
* Aspect Shared::
* Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool::
* Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool_Type::
* Aspect SPARK_Mode::
* Aspect Suppress_Debug_Info::
* Aspect Suppress_Initialization::
* Aspect Test_Case::
* Aspect Thread_Local_Storage::
* Aspect Universal_Aliasing::
* Aspect Unmodified::
* Aspect Unreferenced::
* Aspect Unreferenced_Objects::
* Aspect Value_Size::
* Aspect Volatile_Full_Access::
* Aspect Volatile_Function::
* Aspect Warnings::
Implementation Defined Attributes
* Attribute Abort_Signal::
* Attribute Address_Size::
* Attribute Asm_Input::
* Attribute Asm_Output::
* Attribute Atomic_Always_Lock_Free::
* Attribute Bit::
* Attribute Bit_Position::
* Attribute Code_Address::
* Attribute Compiler_Version::
* Attribute Constrained::
* Attribute Default_Bit_Order::
* Attribute Default_Scalar_Storage_Order::
* Attribute Deref::
* Attribute Descriptor_Size::
* Attribute Elaborated::
* Attribute Elab_Body::
* Attribute Elab_Spec::
* Attribute Elab_Subp_Body::
* Attribute Emax::
* Attribute Enabled::
* Attribute Enum_Rep::
* Attribute Enum_Val::
* Attribute Epsilon::
* Attribute Fast_Math::
* Attribute Finalization_Size::
* Attribute Fixed_Value::
* Attribute From_Any::
* Attribute Has_Access_Values::
* Attribute Has_Discriminants::
* Attribute Has_Tagged_Values::
* Attribute Img::
* Attribute Initialized::
* Attribute Integer_Value::
* Attribute Invalid_Value::
* Attribute Iterable::
* Attribute Large::
* Attribute Library_Level::
* Attribute Lock_Free::
* Attribute Loop_Entry::
* Attribute Machine_Size::
* Attribute Mantissa::
* Attribute Maximum_Alignment::
* Attribute Max_Integer_Size::
* Attribute Mechanism_Code::
* Attribute Null_Parameter::
* Attribute Object_Size::
* Attribute Old::
* Attribute Passed_By_Reference::
* Attribute Pool_Address::
* Attribute Range_Length::
* Attribute Restriction_Set::
* Attribute Result::
* Attribute Safe_Emax::
* Attribute Safe_Large::
* Attribute Safe_Small::
* Attribute Scalar_Storage_Order::
* Attribute Simple_Storage_Pool::
* Attribute Small::
* Attribute Small_Denominator::
* Attribute Small_Numerator::
* Attribute Storage_Unit::
* Attribute Stub_Type::
* Attribute System_Allocator_Alignment::
* Attribute Target_Name::
* Attribute To_Address::
* Attribute To_Any::
* Attribute Type_Class::
* Attribute Type_Key::
* Attribute TypeCode::
* Attribute Unconstrained_Array::
* Attribute Universal_Literal_String::
* Attribute Unrestricted_Access::
* Attribute Update::
* Attribute Valid_Image::
* Attribute Valid_Scalars::
* Attribute VADS_Size::
* Attribute Value_Size::
* Attribute Wchar_T_Size::
* Attribute Word_Size::
Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions
* Partition-Wide Restrictions::
* Program Unit Level Restrictions::
Partition-Wide Restrictions
* Immediate_Reclamation::
* Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting::
* Max_Entry_Queue_Length::
* Max_Protected_Entries::
* Max_Select_Alternatives::
* Max_Storage_At_Blocking::
* Max_Task_Entries::
* Max_Tasks::
* No_Abort_Statements::
* No_Access_Parameter_Allocators::
* No_Access_Subprograms::
* No_Allocators::
* No_Anonymous_Allocators::
* No_Asynchronous_Control::
* No_Calendar::
* No_Coextensions::
* No_Default_Initialization::
* No_Delay::
* No_Dependence::
* No_Direct_Boolean_Operators::
* No_Dispatch::
* No_Dispatching_Calls::
* No_Dynamic_Attachment::
* No_Dynamic_Priorities::
* No_Entry_Calls_In_Elaboration_Code::
* No_Enumeration_Maps::
* No_Exception_Handlers::
* No_Exception_Propagation::
* No_Exception_Registration::
* No_Exceptions::
* No_Finalization::
* No_Fixed_Point::
* No_Floating_Point::
* No_Implicit_Conditionals::
* No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code::
* No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations::
* No_Implicit_Protected_Object_Allocations::
* No_Implicit_Task_Allocations::
* No_Initialize_Scalars::
* No_IO::
* No_Local_Allocators::
* No_Local_Protected_Objects::
* No_Local_Timing_Events::
* No_Long_Long_Integers::
* No_Multiple_Elaboration::
* No_Nested_Finalization::
* No_Protected_Type_Allocators::
* No_Protected_Types::
* No_Recursion::
* No_Reentrancy::
* No_Relative_Delay::
* No_Requeue_Statements::
* No_Secondary_Stack::
* No_Select_Statements::
* No_Specific_Termination_Handlers::
* No_Specification_of_Aspect::
* No_Standard_Allocators_After_Elaboration::
* No_Standard_Storage_Pools::
* No_Stream_Optimizations::
* No_Streams::
* No_Tagged_Type_Registration::
* No_Task_Allocators::
* No_Task_At_Interrupt_Priority::
* No_Task_Attributes_Package::
* No_Task_Hierarchy::
* No_Task_Termination::
* No_Tasking::
* No_Terminate_Alternatives::
* No_Unchecked_Access::
* No_Unchecked_Conversion::
* No_Unchecked_Deallocation::
* No_Use_Of_Entity::
* Pure_Barriers::
* Simple_Barriers::
* Static_Priorities::
* Static_Storage_Size::
Program Unit Level Restrictions
* No_Elaboration_Code::
* No_Dynamic_Accessibility_Checks::
* No_Dynamic_Sized_Objects::
* No_Entry_Queue::
* No_Implementation_Aspect_Specifications::
* No_Implementation_Attributes::
* No_Implementation_Identifiers::
* No_Implementation_Pragmas::
* No_Implementation_Restrictions::
* No_Implementation_Units::
* No_Implicit_Aliasing::
* No_Implicit_Loops::
* No_Obsolescent_Features::
* No_Wide_Characters::
* Static_Dispatch_Tables::
* SPARK_05::
Implementation Advice
* RM 1.1.3(20); Error Detection: RM 1 1 3 20 Error Detection.
* RM 1.1.3(31); Child Units: RM 1 1 3 31 Child Units.
* RM 1.1.5(12); Bounded Errors: RM 1 1 5 12 Bounded Errors.
* RM 2.8(16); Pragmas: RM 2 8 16 Pragmas.
* RM 2.8(17-19); Pragmas: RM 2 8 17-19 Pragmas.
* RM 3.5.2(5); Alternative Character Sets: RM 3 5 2 5 Alternative Character Sets.
* RM 3.5.4(28); Integer Types: RM 3 5 4 28 Integer Types.
* RM 3.5.4(29); Integer Types: RM 3 5 4 29 Integer Types.
* RM 3.5.5(8); Enumeration Values: RM 3 5 5 8 Enumeration Values.
* RM 3.5.7(17); Float Types: RM 3 5 7 17 Float Types.
* RM 3.6.2(11); Multidimensional Arrays: RM 3 6 2 11 Multidimensional Arrays.
* RM 9.6(30-31); Duration’Small: RM 9 6 30-31 Duration’Small.
* RM 10.2.1(12); Consistent Representation: RM 10 2 1 12 Consistent Representation.
* RM 11.4.1(19); Exception Information: RM 11 4 1 19 Exception Information.
* RM 11.5(28); Suppression of Checks: RM 11 5 28 Suppression of Checks.
* RM 13.1 (21-24); Representation Clauses: RM 13 1 21-24 Representation Clauses.
* RM 13.2(6-8); Packed Types: RM 13 2 6-8 Packed Types.
* RM 13.3(14-19); Address Clauses: RM 13 3 14-19 Address Clauses.
* RM 13.3(29-35); Alignment Clauses: RM 13 3 29-35 Alignment Clauses.
* RM 13.3(42-43); Size Clauses: RM 13 3 42-43 Size Clauses.
* RM 13.3(50-56); Size Clauses: RM 13 3 50-56 Size Clauses.
* RM 13.3(71-73); Component Size Clauses: RM 13 3 71-73 Component Size Clauses.
* RM 13.4(9-10); Enumeration Representation Clauses: RM 13 4 9-10 Enumeration Representation Clauses.
* RM 13.5.1(17-22); Record Representation Clauses: RM 13 5 1 17-22 Record Representation Clauses.
* RM 13.5.2(5); Storage Place Attributes: RM 13 5 2 5 Storage Place Attributes.
* RM 13.5.3(7-8); Bit Ordering: RM 13 5 3 7-8 Bit Ordering.
* RM 13.7(37); Address as Private: RM 13 7 37 Address as Private.
* RM 13.7.1(16); Address Operations: RM 13 7 1 16 Address Operations.
* RM 13.9(14-17); Unchecked Conversion: RM 13 9 14-17 Unchecked Conversion.
* RM 13.11(23-25); Implicit Heap Usage: RM 13 11 23-25 Implicit Heap Usage.
* RM 13.11.2(17); Unchecked Deallocation: RM 13 11 2 17 Unchecked Deallocation.
* RM 13.13.2(1.6); Stream Oriented Attributes: RM 13 13 2 1 6 Stream Oriented Attributes.
* RM A.1(52); Names of Predefined Numeric Types: RM A 1 52 Names of Predefined Numeric Types.
* RM A.3.2(49); Ada.Characters.Handling: RM A 3 2 49 Ada Characters Handling.
* RM A.4.4(106); Bounded-Length String Handling: RM A 4 4 106 Bounded-Length String Handling.
* RM A.5.2(46-47); Random Number Generation: RM A 5 2 46-47 Random Number Generation.
* RM A.10.7(23); Get_Immediate: RM A 10 7 23 Get_Immediate.
* RM A.18; Containers: RM A 18 Containers.
* RM B.1(39-41); Pragma Export: RM B 1 39-41 Pragma Export.
* RM B.2(12-13); Package Interfaces: RM B 2 12-13 Package Interfaces.
* RM B.3(63-71); Interfacing with C: RM B 3 63-71 Interfacing with C.
* RM B.4(95-98); Interfacing with COBOL: RM B 4 95-98 Interfacing with COBOL.
* RM B.5(22-26); Interfacing with Fortran: RM B 5 22-26 Interfacing with Fortran.
* RM C.1(3-5); Access to Machine Operations: RM C 1 3-5 Access to Machine Operations.
* RM C.1(10-16); Access to Machine Operations: RM C 1 10-16 Access to Machine Operations.
* RM C.3(28); Interrupt Support: RM C 3 28 Interrupt Support.
* RM C.3.1(20-21); Protected Procedure Handlers: RM C 3 1 20-21 Protected Procedure Handlers.
* RM C.3.2(25); Package Interrupts: RM C 3 2 25 Package Interrupts.
* RM C.4(14); Pre-elaboration Requirements: RM C 4 14 Pre-elaboration Requirements.
* RM C.5(8); Pragma Discard_Names: RM C 5 8 Pragma Discard_Names.
* RM C.7.2(30); The Package Task_Attributes: RM C 7 2 30 The Package Task_Attributes.
* RM D.3(17); Locking Policies: RM D 3 17 Locking Policies.
* RM D.4(16); Entry Queuing Policies: RM D 4 16 Entry Queuing Policies.
* RM D.6(9-10); Preemptive Abort: RM D 6 9-10 Preemptive Abort.
* RM D.7(21); Tasking Restrictions: RM D 7 21 Tasking Restrictions.
* RM D.8(47-49); Monotonic Time: RM D 8 47-49 Monotonic Time.
* RM E.5(28-29); Partition Communication Subsystem: RM E 5 28-29 Partition Communication Subsystem.
* RM F(7); COBOL Support: RM F 7 COBOL Support.
* RM F.1(2); Decimal Radix Support: RM F 1 2 Decimal Radix Support.
* RM G; Numerics: RM G Numerics.
* RM G.1.1(56-58); Complex Types: RM G 1 1 56-58 Complex Types.
* RM G.1.2(49); Complex Elementary Functions: RM G 1 2 49 Complex Elementary Functions.
* RM G.2.4(19); Accuracy Requirements: RM G 2 4 19 Accuracy Requirements.
* RM G.2.6(15); Complex Arithmetic Accuracy: RM G 2 6 15 Complex Arithmetic Accuracy.
* RM H.6(15/2); Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy: RM H 6 15/2 Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy.
Intrinsic Subprograms
* Intrinsic Operators::
* Compilation_ISO_Date::
* Compilation_Date::
* Compilation_Time::
* Enclosing_Entity::
* Exception_Information::
* Exception_Message::
* Exception_Name::
* File::
* Line::
* Shifts and Rotates::
* Source_Location::
Representation Clauses and Pragmas
* Alignment Clauses::
* Size Clauses::
* Storage_Size Clauses::
* Size of Variant Record Objects::
* Biased Representation::
* Value_Size and Object_Size Clauses::
* Component_Size Clauses::
* Bit_Order Clauses::
* Effect of Bit_Order on Byte Ordering::
* Pragma Pack for Arrays::
* Pragma Pack for Records::
* Record Representation Clauses::
* Handling of Records with Holes::
* Enumeration Clauses::
* Address Clauses::
* Use of Address Clauses for Memory-Mapped I/O::
* Effect of Convention on Representation::
* Conventions and Anonymous Access Types::
* Determining the Representations chosen by GNAT::
The Implementation of Standard I/O
* Standard I/O Packages::
* FORM Strings::
* Direct_IO::
* Sequential_IO::
* Text_IO::
* Wide_Text_IO::
* Wide_Wide_Text_IO::
* Stream_IO::
* Text Translation::
* Shared Files::
* Filenames encoding::
* File content encoding::
* Open Modes::
* Operations on C Streams::
* Interfacing to C Streams::
Text_IO
* Stream Pointer Positioning::
* Reading and Writing Non-Regular Files::
* Get_Immediate::
* Treating Text_IO Files as Streams::
* Text_IO Extensions::
* Text_IO Facilities for Unbounded Strings::
Wide_Text_IO
* Stream Pointer Positioning: Stream Pointer Positioning<2>.
* Reading and Writing Non-Regular Files: Reading and Writing Non-Regular Files<2>.
Wide_Wide_Text_IO
* Stream Pointer Positioning: Stream Pointer Positioning<3>.
* Reading and Writing Non-Regular Files: Reading and Writing Non-Regular Files<3>.
The GNAT Library
* Ada.Characters.Latin_9 (a-chlat9.ads): Ada Characters Latin_9 a-chlat9 ads.
* Ada.Characters.Wide_Latin_1 (a-cwila1.ads): Ada Characters Wide_Latin_1 a-cwila1 ads.
* Ada.Characters.Wide_Latin_9 (a-cwila1.ads): Ada Characters Wide_Latin_9 a-cwila1 ads.
* Ada.Characters.Wide_Wide_Latin_1 (a-chzla1.ads): Ada Characters Wide_Wide_Latin_1 a-chzla1 ads.
* Ada.Characters.Wide_Wide_Latin_9 (a-chzla9.ads): Ada Characters Wide_Wide_Latin_9 a-chzla9 ads.
* Ada.Containers.Formal_Doubly_Linked_Lists (a-cfdlli.ads): Ada Containers Formal_Doubly_Linked_Lists a-cfdlli ads.
* Ada.Containers.Formal_Hashed_Maps (a-cfhama.ads): Ada Containers Formal_Hashed_Maps a-cfhama ads.
* Ada.Containers.Formal_Hashed_Sets (a-cfhase.ads): Ada Containers Formal_Hashed_Sets a-cfhase ads.
* Ada.Containers.Formal_Ordered_Maps (a-cforma.ads): Ada Containers Formal_Ordered_Maps a-cforma ads.
* Ada.Containers.Formal_Ordered_Sets (a-cforse.ads): Ada Containers Formal_Ordered_Sets a-cforse ads.
* Ada.Containers.Formal_Vectors (a-cofove.ads): Ada Containers Formal_Vectors a-cofove ads.
* Ada.Containers.Formal_Indefinite_Vectors (a-cfinve.ads): Ada Containers Formal_Indefinite_Vectors a-cfinve ads.
* Ada.Containers.Functional_Vectors (a-cofuve.ads): Ada Containers Functional_Vectors a-cofuve ads.
* Ada.Containers.Functional_Sets (a-cofuse.ads): Ada Containers Functional_Sets a-cofuse ads.
* Ada.Containers.Functional_Maps (a-cofuma.ads): Ada Containers Functional_Maps a-cofuma ads.
* Ada.Containers.Bounded_Holders (a-coboho.ads): Ada Containers Bounded_Holders a-coboho ads.
* Ada.Command_Line.Environment (a-colien.ads): Ada Command_Line Environment a-colien ads.
* Ada.Command_Line.Remove (a-colire.ads): Ada Command_Line Remove a-colire ads.
* Ada.Command_Line.Response_File (a-clrefi.ads): Ada Command_Line Response_File a-clrefi ads.
* Ada.Direct_IO.C_Streams (a-diocst.ads): Ada Direct_IO C_Streams a-diocst ads.
* Ada.Exceptions.Is_Null_Occurrence (a-einuoc.ads): Ada Exceptions Is_Null_Occurrence a-einuoc ads.
* Ada.Exceptions.Last_Chance_Handler (a-elchha.ads): Ada Exceptions Last_Chance_Handler a-elchha ads.
* Ada.Exceptions.Traceback (a-exctra.ads): Ada Exceptions Traceback a-exctra ads.
* Ada.Sequential_IO.C_Streams (a-siocst.ads): Ada Sequential_IO C_Streams a-siocst ads.
* Ada.Streams.Stream_IO.C_Streams (a-ssicst.ads): Ada Streams Stream_IO C_Streams a-ssicst ads.
* Ada.Strings.Unbounded.Text_IO (a-suteio.ads): Ada Strings Unbounded Text_IO a-suteio ads.
* Ada.Strings.Wide_Unbounded.Wide_Text_IO (a-swuwti.ads): Ada Strings Wide_Unbounded Wide_Text_IO a-swuwti ads.
* Ada.Strings.Wide_Wide_Unbounded.Wide_Wide_Text_IO (a-szuzti.ads): Ada Strings Wide_Wide_Unbounded Wide_Wide_Text_IO a-szuzti ads.
* Ada.Task_Initialization (a-tasini.ads): Ada Task_Initialization a-tasini ads.
* Ada.Text_IO.C_Streams (a-tiocst.ads): Ada Text_IO C_Streams a-tiocst ads.
* Ada.Text_IO.Reset_Standard_Files (a-tirsfi.ads): Ada Text_IO Reset_Standard_Files a-tirsfi ads.
* Ada.Wide_Characters.Unicode (a-wichun.ads): Ada Wide_Characters Unicode a-wichun ads.
* Ada.Wide_Text_IO.C_Streams (a-wtcstr.ads): Ada Wide_Text_IO C_Streams a-wtcstr ads.
* Ada.Wide_Text_IO.Reset_Standard_Files (a-wrstfi.ads): Ada Wide_Text_IO Reset_Standard_Files a-wrstfi ads.
* Ada.Wide_Wide_Characters.Unicode (a-zchuni.ads): Ada Wide_Wide_Characters Unicode a-zchuni ads.
* Ada.Wide_Wide_Text_IO.C_Streams (a-ztcstr.ads): Ada Wide_Wide_Text_IO C_Streams a-ztcstr ads.
* Ada.Wide_Wide_Text_IO.Reset_Standard_Files (a-zrstfi.ads): Ada Wide_Wide_Text_IO Reset_Standard_Files a-zrstfi ads.
* GNAT.Altivec (g-altive.ads): GNAT Altivec g-altive ads.
* GNAT.Altivec.Conversions (g-altcon.ads): GNAT Altivec Conversions g-altcon ads.
* GNAT.Altivec.Vector_Operations (g-alveop.ads): GNAT Altivec Vector_Operations g-alveop ads.
* GNAT.Altivec.Vector_Types (g-alvety.ads): GNAT Altivec Vector_Types g-alvety ads.
* GNAT.Altivec.Vector_Views (g-alvevi.ads): GNAT Altivec Vector_Views g-alvevi ads.
* GNAT.Array_Split (g-arrspl.ads): GNAT Array_Split g-arrspl ads.
* GNAT.AWK (g-awk.ads): GNAT AWK g-awk ads.
* GNAT.Bind_Environment (g-binenv.ads): GNAT Bind_Environment g-binenv ads.
* GNAT.Branch_Prediction (g-brapre.ads): GNAT Branch_Prediction g-brapre ads.
* GNAT.Bounded_Buffers (g-boubuf.ads): GNAT Bounded_Buffers g-boubuf ads.
* GNAT.Bounded_Mailboxes (g-boumai.ads): GNAT Bounded_Mailboxes g-boumai ads.
* GNAT.Bubble_Sort (g-bubsor.ads): GNAT Bubble_Sort g-bubsor ads.
* GNAT.Bubble_Sort_A (g-busora.ads): GNAT Bubble_Sort_A g-busora ads.
* GNAT.Bubble_Sort_G (g-busorg.ads): GNAT Bubble_Sort_G g-busorg ads.
* GNAT.Byte_Order_Mark (g-byorma.ads): GNAT Byte_Order_Mark g-byorma ads.
* GNAT.Byte_Swapping (g-bytswa.ads): GNAT Byte_Swapping g-bytswa ads.
* GNAT.Calendar (g-calend.ads): GNAT Calendar g-calend ads.
* GNAT.Calendar.Time_IO (g-catiio.ads): GNAT Calendar Time_IO g-catiio ads.
* GNAT.CRC32 (g-crc32.ads): GNAT CRC32 g-crc32 ads.
* GNAT.Case_Util (g-casuti.ads): GNAT Case_Util g-casuti ads.
* GNAT.CGI (g-cgi.ads): GNAT CGI g-cgi ads.
* GNAT.CGI.Cookie (g-cgicoo.ads): GNAT CGI Cookie g-cgicoo ads.
* GNAT.CGI.Debug (g-cgideb.ads): GNAT CGI Debug g-cgideb ads.
* GNAT.Command_Line (g-comlin.ads): GNAT Command_Line g-comlin ads.
* GNAT.Compiler_Version (g-comver.ads): GNAT Compiler_Version g-comver ads.
* GNAT.Ctrl_C (g-ctrl_c.ads): GNAT Ctrl_C g-ctrl_c ads.
* GNAT.Current_Exception (g-curexc.ads): GNAT Current_Exception g-curexc ads.
* GNAT.Debug_Pools (g-debpoo.ads): GNAT Debug_Pools g-debpoo ads.
* GNAT.Debug_Utilities (g-debuti.ads): GNAT Debug_Utilities g-debuti ads.
* GNAT.Decode_String (g-decstr.ads): GNAT Decode_String g-decstr ads.
* GNAT.Decode_UTF8_String (g-deutst.ads): GNAT Decode_UTF8_String g-deutst ads.
* GNAT.Directory_Operations (g-dirope.ads): GNAT Directory_Operations g-dirope ads.
* GNAT.Directory_Operations.Iteration (g-diopit.ads): GNAT Directory_Operations Iteration g-diopit ads.
* GNAT.Dynamic_HTables (g-dynhta.ads): GNAT Dynamic_HTables g-dynhta ads.
* GNAT.Dynamic_Tables (g-dyntab.ads): GNAT Dynamic_Tables g-dyntab ads.
* GNAT.Encode_String (g-encstr.ads): GNAT Encode_String g-encstr ads.
* GNAT.Encode_UTF8_String (g-enutst.ads): GNAT Encode_UTF8_String g-enutst ads.
* GNAT.Exception_Actions (g-excact.ads): GNAT Exception_Actions g-excact ads.
* GNAT.Exception_Traces (g-exctra.ads): GNAT Exception_Traces g-exctra ads.
* GNAT.Exceptions (g-except.ads): GNAT Exceptions g-except ads.
* GNAT.Expect (g-expect.ads): GNAT Expect g-expect ads.
* GNAT.Expect.TTY (g-exptty.ads): GNAT Expect TTY g-exptty ads.
* GNAT.Float_Control (g-flocon.ads): GNAT Float_Control g-flocon ads.
* GNAT.Formatted_String (g-forstr.ads): GNAT Formatted_String g-forstr ads.
* GNAT.Heap_Sort (g-heasor.ads): GNAT Heap_Sort g-heasor ads.
* GNAT.Heap_Sort_A (g-hesora.ads): GNAT Heap_Sort_A g-hesora ads.
* GNAT.Heap_Sort_G (g-hesorg.ads): GNAT Heap_Sort_G g-hesorg ads.
* GNAT.HTable (g-htable.ads): GNAT HTable g-htable ads.
* GNAT.IO (g-io.ads): GNAT IO g-io ads.
* GNAT.IO_Aux (g-io_aux.ads): GNAT IO_Aux g-io_aux ads.
* GNAT.Lock_Files (g-locfil.ads): GNAT Lock_Files g-locfil ads.
* GNAT.MBBS_Discrete_Random (g-mbdira.ads): GNAT MBBS_Discrete_Random g-mbdira ads.
* GNAT.MBBS_Float_Random (g-mbflra.ads): GNAT MBBS_Float_Random g-mbflra ads.
* GNAT.MD5 (g-md5.ads): GNAT MD5 g-md5 ads.
* GNAT.Memory_Dump (g-memdum.ads): GNAT Memory_Dump g-memdum ads.
* GNAT.Most_Recent_Exception (g-moreex.ads): GNAT Most_Recent_Exception g-moreex ads.
* GNAT.OS_Lib (g-os_lib.ads): GNAT OS_Lib g-os_lib ads.
* GNAT.Perfect_Hash_Generators (g-pehage.ads): GNAT Perfect_Hash_Generators g-pehage ads.
* GNAT.Random_Numbers (g-rannum.ads): GNAT Random_Numbers g-rannum ads.
* GNAT.Regexp (g-regexp.ads): GNAT Regexp g-regexp ads.
* GNAT.Registry (g-regist.ads): GNAT Registry g-regist ads.
* GNAT.Regpat (g-regpat.ads): GNAT Regpat g-regpat ads.
* GNAT.Rewrite_Data (g-rewdat.ads): GNAT Rewrite_Data g-rewdat ads.
* GNAT.Secondary_Stack_Info (g-sestin.ads): GNAT Secondary_Stack_Info g-sestin ads.
* GNAT.Semaphores (g-semaph.ads): GNAT Semaphores g-semaph ads.
* GNAT.Serial_Communications (g-sercom.ads): GNAT Serial_Communications g-sercom ads.
* GNAT.SHA1 (g-sha1.ads): GNAT SHA1 g-sha1 ads.
* GNAT.SHA224 (g-sha224.ads): GNAT SHA224 g-sha224 ads.
* GNAT.SHA256 (g-sha256.ads): GNAT SHA256 g-sha256 ads.
* GNAT.SHA384 (g-sha384.ads): GNAT SHA384 g-sha384 ads.
* GNAT.SHA512 (g-sha512.ads): GNAT SHA512 g-sha512 ads.
* GNAT.Signals (g-signal.ads): GNAT Signals g-signal ads.
* GNAT.Sockets (g-socket.ads): GNAT Sockets g-socket ads.
* GNAT.Source_Info (g-souinf.ads): GNAT Source_Info g-souinf ads.
* GNAT.Spelling_Checker (g-speche.ads): GNAT Spelling_Checker g-speche ads.
* GNAT.Spelling_Checker_Generic (g-spchge.ads): GNAT Spelling_Checker_Generic g-spchge ads.
* GNAT.Spitbol.Patterns (g-spipat.ads): GNAT Spitbol Patterns g-spipat ads.
* GNAT.Spitbol (g-spitbo.ads): GNAT Spitbol g-spitbo ads.
* GNAT.Spitbol.Table_Boolean (g-sptabo.ads): GNAT Spitbol Table_Boolean g-sptabo ads.
* GNAT.Spitbol.Table_Integer (g-sptain.ads): GNAT Spitbol Table_Integer g-sptain ads.
* GNAT.Spitbol.Table_VString (g-sptavs.ads): GNAT Spitbol Table_VString g-sptavs ads.
* GNAT.SSE (g-sse.ads): GNAT SSE g-sse ads.
* GNAT.SSE.Vector_Types (g-ssvety.ads): GNAT SSE Vector_Types g-ssvety ads.
* GNAT.String_Hash (g-strhas.ads): GNAT String_Hash g-strhas ads.
* GNAT.Strings (g-string.ads): GNAT Strings g-string ads.
* GNAT.String_Split (g-strspl.ads): GNAT String_Split g-strspl ads.
* GNAT.Table (g-table.ads): GNAT Table g-table ads.
* GNAT.Task_Lock (g-tasloc.ads): GNAT Task_Lock g-tasloc ads.
* GNAT.Time_Stamp (g-timsta.ads): GNAT Time_Stamp g-timsta ads.
* GNAT.Threads (g-thread.ads): GNAT Threads g-thread ads.
* GNAT.Traceback (g-traceb.ads): GNAT Traceback g-traceb ads.
* GNAT.Traceback.Symbolic (g-trasym.ads): GNAT Traceback Symbolic g-trasym ads.
* GNAT.UTF_32 (g-table.ads): GNAT UTF_32 g-table ads.
* GNAT.Wide_Spelling_Checker (g-u3spch.ads): GNAT Wide_Spelling_Checker g-u3spch ads.
* GNAT.Wide_Spelling_Checker (g-wispch.ads): GNAT Wide_Spelling_Checker g-wispch ads.
* GNAT.Wide_String_Split (g-wistsp.ads): GNAT Wide_String_Split g-wistsp ads.
* GNAT.Wide_Wide_Spelling_Checker (g-zspche.ads): GNAT Wide_Wide_Spelling_Checker g-zspche ads.
* GNAT.Wide_Wide_String_Split (g-zistsp.ads): GNAT Wide_Wide_String_Split g-zistsp ads.
* Interfaces.C.Extensions (i-cexten.ads): Interfaces C Extensions i-cexten ads.
* Interfaces.C.Streams (i-cstrea.ads): Interfaces C Streams i-cstrea ads.
* Interfaces.Packed_Decimal (i-pacdec.ads): Interfaces Packed_Decimal i-pacdec ads.
* Interfaces.VxWorks (i-vxwork.ads): Interfaces VxWorks i-vxwork ads.
* Interfaces.VxWorks.Int_Connection (i-vxinco.ads): Interfaces VxWorks Int_Connection i-vxinco ads.
* Interfaces.VxWorks.IO (i-vxwoio.ads): Interfaces VxWorks IO i-vxwoio ads.
* System.Address_Image (s-addima.ads): System Address_Image s-addima ads.
* System.Assertions (s-assert.ads): System Assertions s-assert ads.
* System.Atomic_Counters (s-atocou.ads): System Atomic_Counters s-atocou ads.
* System.Memory (s-memory.ads): System Memory s-memory ads.
* System.Multiprocessors (s-multip.ads): System Multiprocessors s-multip ads.
* System.Multiprocessors.Dispatching_Domains (s-mudido.ads): System Multiprocessors Dispatching_Domains s-mudido ads.
* System.Partition_Interface (s-parint.ads): System Partition_Interface s-parint ads.
* System.Pool_Global (s-pooglo.ads): System Pool_Global s-pooglo ads.
* System.Pool_Local (s-pooloc.ads): System Pool_Local s-pooloc ads.
* System.Restrictions (s-restri.ads): System Restrictions s-restri ads.
* System.Rident (s-rident.ads): System Rident s-rident ads.
* System.Strings.Stream_Ops (s-ststop.ads): System Strings Stream_Ops s-ststop ads.
* System.Unsigned_Types (s-unstyp.ads): System Unsigned_Types s-unstyp ads.
* System.Wch_Cnv (s-wchcnv.ads): System Wch_Cnv s-wchcnv ads.
* System.Wch_Con (s-wchcon.ads): System Wch_Con s-wchcon ads.
Interfacing to Other Languages
* Interfacing to C::
* Interfacing to C++::
* Interfacing to COBOL::
* Interfacing to Fortran::
* Interfacing to non-GNAT Ada code::
Implementation of Specific Ada Features
* Machine Code Insertions::
* GNAT Implementation of Tasking::
* GNAT Implementation of Shared Passive Packages::
* Code Generation for Array Aggregates::
* The Size of Discriminated Records with Default Discriminants::
* Image Values For Nonscalar Types::
* Strict Conformance to the Ada Reference Manual::
GNAT Implementation of Tasking
* Mapping Ada Tasks onto the Underlying Kernel Threads::
* Ensuring Compliance with the Real-Time Annex::
* Support for Locking Policies::
Code Generation for Array Aggregates
* Static constant aggregates with static bounds::
* Constant aggregates with unconstrained nominal types::
* Aggregates with static bounds::
* Aggregates with nonstatic bounds::
* Aggregates in assignment statements::
Security Hardening Features
* Register Scrubbing::
* Stack Scrubbing::
* Hardened Conditionals::
Obsolescent Features
* pragma No_Run_Time::
* pragma Ravenscar::
* pragma Restricted_Run_Time::
* pragma Task_Info::
* package System.Task_Info (s-tasinf.ads): package System Task_Info s-tasinf ads.
Compatibility and Porting Guide
* Writing Portable Fixed-Point Declarations::
* Compatibility with Ada 83::
* Compatibility between Ada 95 and Ada 2005::
* Implementation-dependent characteristics::
* Compatibility with Other Ada Systems::
* Representation Clauses::
* Compatibility with HP Ada 83::
Compatibility with Ada 83
* Legal Ada 83 programs that are illegal in Ada 95::
* More deterministic semantics::
* Changed semantics::
* Other language compatibility issues::
Implementation-dependent characteristics
* Implementation-defined pragmas::
* Implementation-defined attributes::
* Libraries::
* Elaboration order::
* Target-specific aspects::
@end detailmenu
@end menu
@node About This Guide,Implementation Defined Pragmas,Top,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/about_this_guide doc}@anchor{2}@anchor{gnat_rm/about_this_guide about-this-guide}@anchor{3}@anchor{gnat_rm/about_this_guide gnat-reference-manual}@anchor{4}@anchor{gnat_rm/about_this_guide id1}@anchor{5}
@chapter About This Guide
This manual contains useful information in writing programs using the
GNAT compiler. It includes information on implementation dependent
characteristics of GNAT, including all the information required by
Annex M of the Ada language standard.
GNAT implements Ada 95, Ada 2005 and Ada 2012, and it may also be
invoked in Ada 83 compatibility mode.
By default, GNAT assumes Ada 2012,
but you can override with a compiler switch
to explicitly specify the language version.
(Please refer to the @emph{GNAT User’s Guide} for details on these switches.)
Throughout this manual, references to ‘Ada’ without a year suffix
apply to all the Ada versions of the language.
Ada is designed to be highly portable.
In general, a program will have the same effect even when compiled by
different compilers on different platforms.
However, since Ada is designed to be used in a
wide variety of applications, it also contains a number of system
dependent features to be used in interfacing to the external world.
@geindex Implementation-dependent features
@geindex Portability
Note: Any program that makes use of implementation-dependent features
may be non-portable. You should follow good programming practice and
isolate and clearly document any sections of your program that make use
of these features in a non-portable manner.
@menu
* What This Reference Manual Contains::
* Conventions::
* Related Information::
@end menu
@node What This Reference Manual Contains,Conventions,,About This Guide
@anchor{gnat_rm/about_this_guide what-this-reference-manual-contains}@anchor{6}
@section What This Reference Manual Contains
This reference manual contains the following chapters:
@itemize *
@item
@ref{7,,Implementation Defined Pragmas}, lists GNAT implementation-dependent
pragmas, which can be used to extend and enhance the functionality of the
compiler.
@item
@ref{8,,Implementation Defined Attributes}, lists GNAT
implementation-dependent attributes, which can be used to extend and
enhance the functionality of the compiler.
@item
@ref{9,,Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions}, lists GNAT
implementation-dependent restrictions, which can be used to extend and
enhance the functionality of the compiler.
@item
@ref{a,,Implementation Advice}, provides information on generally
desirable behavior which are not requirements that all compilers must
follow since it cannot be provided on all systems, or which may be
undesirable on some systems.
@item
@ref{b,,Implementation Defined Characteristics}, provides a guide to
minimizing implementation dependent features.
@item
@ref{c,,Intrinsic Subprograms}, describes the intrinsic subprograms
implemented by GNAT, and how they can be imported into user
application programs.
@item
@ref{d,,Representation Clauses and Pragmas}, describes in detail the
way that GNAT represents data, and in particular the exact set
of representation clauses and pragmas that is accepted.
@item
@ref{e,,Standard Library Routines}, provides a listing of packages and a
brief description of the functionality that is provided by Ada’s
extensive set of standard library routines as implemented by GNAT.
@item
@ref{f,,The Implementation of Standard I/O}, details how the GNAT
implementation of the input-output facilities.
@item
@ref{10,,The GNAT Library}, is a catalog of packages that complement
the Ada predefined library.
@item
@ref{11,,Interfacing to Other Languages}, describes how programs
written in Ada using GNAT can be interfaced to other programming
languages.
@item
@ref{12,,Specialized Needs Annexes}, describes the GNAT implementation of all
of the specialized needs annexes.
@item
@ref{13,,Implementation of Specific Ada Features}, discusses issues related
to GNAT’s implementation of machine code insertions, tasking, and several
other features.
@item
@ref{14,,Implementation of Ada 2012 Features}, describes the status of the
GNAT implementation of the Ada 2012 language standard.
@item
@ref{15,,Security Hardening Features} documents GNAT extensions aimed
at security hardening.
@item
@ref{16,,Obsolescent Features} documents implementation dependent features,
including pragmas and attributes, which are considered obsolescent, since
there are other preferred ways of achieving the same results. These
obsolescent forms are retained for backwards compatibility.
@item
@ref{17,,Compatibility and Porting Guide} presents some guidelines for
developing portable Ada code, describes the compatibility issues that
may arise between GNAT and other Ada compilation systems (including those
for Ada 83), and shows how GNAT can expedite porting applications
developed in other Ada environments.
@item
@ref{1,,GNU Free Documentation License} contains the license for this document.
@end itemize
@geindex Ada 95 Language Reference Manual
@geindex Ada 2005 Language Reference Manual
This reference manual assumes a basic familiarity with the Ada 95 language, as
described in the
@cite{International Standard ANSI/ISO/IEC-8652:1995}.
It does not require knowledge of the new features introduced by Ada 2005 or
Ada 2012.
All three reference manuals are included in the GNAT documentation
package.
@node Conventions,Related Information,What This Reference Manual Contains,About This Guide
@anchor{gnat_rm/about_this_guide conventions}@anchor{18}
@section Conventions
@geindex Conventions
@geindex typographical
@geindex Typographical conventions
Following are examples of the typographical and graphic conventions used
in this guide:
@itemize *
@item
@code{Functions}, @code{utility program names}, @code{standard names},
and @code{classes}.
@item
@code{Option flags}
@item
@code{File names}
@item
@code{Variables}
@item
@emph{Emphasis}
@item
[optional information or parameters]
@item
Examples are described by text
@example
and then shown this way.
@end example
@item
Commands that are entered by the user are shown as preceded by a prompt string
comprising the @code{$} character followed by a space.
@end itemize
@node Related Information,,Conventions,About This Guide
@anchor{gnat_rm/about_this_guide related-information}@anchor{19}
@section Related Information
See the following documents for further information on GNAT:
@itemize *
@item
@cite{GNAT User’s Guide for Native Platforms},
which provides information on how to use the
GNAT development environment.
@item
@cite{Ada 95 Reference Manual}, the Ada 95 programming language standard.
@item
@cite{Ada 95 Annotated Reference Manual}, which is an annotated version
of the Ada 95 standard. The annotations describe
detailed aspects of the design decision, and in particular contain useful
sections on Ada 83 compatibility.
@item
@cite{Ada 2005 Reference Manual}, the Ada 2005 programming language standard.
@item
@cite{Ada 2005 Annotated Reference Manual}, which is an annotated version
of the Ada 2005 standard. The annotations describe
detailed aspects of the design decision.
@item
@cite{Ada 2012 Reference Manual}, the Ada 2012 programming language standard.
@item
@cite{DEC Ada@comma{} Technical Overview and Comparison on DIGITAL Platforms},
which contains specific information on compatibility between GNAT and
DEC Ada 83 systems.
@item
@cite{DEC Ada@comma{} Language Reference Manual}, part number AA-PYZAB-TK, which
describes in detail the pragmas and attributes provided by the DEC Ada 83
compiler system.
@end itemize
@node Implementation Defined Pragmas,Implementation Defined Aspects,About This Guide,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas doc}@anchor{1a}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id1}@anchor{1b}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas implementation-defined-pragmas}@anchor{7}
@chapter Implementation Defined Pragmas
Ada defines a set of pragmas that can be used to supply additional
information to the compiler. These language defined pragmas are
implemented in GNAT and work as described in the Ada Reference Manual.
In addition, Ada allows implementations to define additional pragmas
whose meaning is defined by the implementation. GNAT provides a number
of these implementation-defined pragmas, which can be used to extend
and enhance the functionality of the compiler. This section of the GNAT
Reference Manual describes these additional pragmas.
Note that any program using these pragmas might not be portable to other
compilers (although GNAT implements this set of pragmas on all
platforms). Therefore if portability to other compilers is an important
consideration, the use of these pragmas should be minimized.
@menu
* Pragma Abort_Defer::
* Pragma Abstract_State::
* Pragma Ada_83::
* Pragma Ada_95::
* Pragma Ada_05::
* Pragma Ada_2005::
* Pragma Ada_12::
* Pragma Ada_2012::
* Pragma Aggregate_Individually_Assign::
* Pragma Allow_Integer_Address::
* Pragma Annotate::
* Pragma Assert::
* Pragma Assert_And_Cut::
* Pragma Assertion_Policy::
* Pragma Assume::
* Pragma Assume_No_Invalid_Values::
* Pragma Async_Readers::
* Pragma Async_Writers::
* Pragma Attribute_Definition::
* Pragma C_Pass_By_Copy::
* Pragma Check::
* Pragma Check_Float_Overflow::
* Pragma Check_Name::
* Pragma Check_Policy::
* Pragma Comment::
* Pragma Common_Object::
* Pragma Compile_Time_Error::
* Pragma Compile_Time_Warning::
* Pragma Complete_Representation::
* Pragma Complex_Representation::
* Pragma Component_Alignment::
* Pragma Constant_After_Elaboration::
* Pragma Contract_Cases::
* Pragma Convention_Identifier::
* Pragma CPP_Class::
* Pragma CPP_Constructor::
* Pragma CPP_Virtual::
* Pragma CPP_Vtable::
* Pragma CPU::
* Pragma Deadline_Floor::
* Pragma Default_Initial_Condition::
* Pragma Debug::
* Pragma Debug_Policy::
* Pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order::
* Pragma Default_Storage_Pool::
* Pragma Depends::
* Pragma Detect_Blocking::
* Pragma Disable_Atomic_Synchronization::
* Pragma Dispatching_Domain::
* Pragma Effective_Reads::
* Pragma Effective_Writes::
* Pragma Elaboration_Checks::
* Pragma Eliminate::
* Pragma Enable_Atomic_Synchronization::
* Pragma Export_Function::
* Pragma Export_Object::
* Pragma Export_Procedure::
* Pragma Export_Valued_Procedure::
* Pragma Extend_System::
* Pragma Extensions_Allowed::
* Pragma Extensions_Visible::
* Pragma External::
* Pragma External_Name_Casing::
* Pragma Fast_Math::
* Pragma Favor_Top_Level::
* Pragma Finalize_Storage_Only::
* Pragma Float_Representation::
* Pragma Ghost::
* Pragma Global::
* Pragma Ident::
* Pragma Ignore_Pragma::
* Pragma Implementation_Defined::
* Pragma Implemented::
* Pragma Implicit_Packing::
* Pragma Import_Function::
* Pragma Import_Object::
* Pragma Import_Procedure::
* Pragma Import_Valued_Procedure::
* Pragma Independent::
* Pragma Independent_Components::
* Pragma Initial_Condition::
* Pragma Initialize_Scalars::
* Pragma Initializes::
* Pragma Inline_Always::
* Pragma Inline_Generic::
* Pragma Interface::
* Pragma Interface_Name::
* Pragma Interrupt_Handler::
* Pragma Interrupt_State::
* Pragma Invariant::
* Pragma Keep_Names::
* Pragma License::
* Pragma Link_With::
* Pragma Linker_Alias::
* Pragma Linker_Constructor::
* Pragma Linker_Destructor::
* Pragma Linker_Section::
* Pragma Lock_Free::
* Pragma Loop_Invariant::
* Pragma Loop_Optimize::
* Pragma Loop_Variant::
* Pragma Machine_Attribute::
* Pragma Main::
* Pragma Main_Storage::
* Pragma Max_Queue_Length::
* Pragma No_Body::
* Pragma No_Caching::
* Pragma No_Component_Reordering::
* Pragma No_Elaboration_Code_All::
* Pragma No_Heap_Finalization::
* Pragma No_Inline::
* Pragma No_Return::
* Pragma No_Strict_Aliasing::
* Pragma No_Tagged_Streams::
* Pragma Normalize_Scalars::
* Pragma Obsolescent::
* Pragma Optimize_Alignment::
* Pragma Ordered::
* Pragma Overflow_Mode::
* Pragma Overriding_Renamings::
* Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy::
* Pragma Part_Of::
* Pragma Passive::
* Pragma Persistent_BSS::
* Pragma Post::
* Pragma Postcondition::
* Pragma Post_Class::
* Pragma Pre::
* Pragma Precondition::
* Pragma Predicate::
* Pragma Predicate_Failure::
* Pragma Preelaborable_Initialization::
* Pragma Prefix_Exception_Messages::
* Pragma Pre_Class::
* Pragma Priority_Specific_Dispatching::
* Pragma Profile::
* Pragma Profile_Warnings::
* Pragma Propagate_Exceptions::
* Pragma Provide_Shift_Operators::
* Pragma Psect_Object::
* Pragma Pure_Function::
* Pragma Rational::
* Pragma Ravenscar::
* Pragma Refined_Depends::
* Pragma Refined_Global::
* Pragma Refined_Post::
* Pragma Refined_State::
* Pragma Relative_Deadline::
* Pragma Remote_Access_Type::
* Pragma Rename_Pragma::
* Pragma Restricted_Run_Time::
* Pragma Restriction_Warnings::
* Pragma Reviewable::
* Pragma Secondary_Stack_Size::
* Pragma Share_Generic::
* Pragma Shared::
* Pragma Short_Circuit_And_Or::
* Pragma Short_Descriptors::
* Pragma Simple_Storage_Pool_Type::
* Pragma Source_File_Name::
* Pragma Source_File_Name_Project::
* Pragma Source_Reference::
* Pragma SPARK_Mode::
* Pragma Static_Elaboration_Desired::
* Pragma Stream_Convert::
* Pragma Style_Checks::
* Pragma Subtitle::
* Pragma Suppress::
* Pragma Suppress_All::
* Pragma Suppress_Debug_Info::
* Pragma Suppress_Exception_Locations::
* Pragma Suppress_Initialization::
* Pragma Task_Name::
* Pragma Task_Storage::
* Pragma Test_Case::
* Pragma Thread_Local_Storage::
* Pragma Time_Slice::
* Pragma Title::
* Pragma Type_Invariant::
* Pragma Type_Invariant_Class::
* Pragma Unchecked_Union::
* Pragma Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old::
* Pragma Unimplemented_Unit::
* Pragma Universal_Aliasing::
* Pragma Unmodified::
* Pragma Unreferenced::
* Pragma Unreferenced_Objects::
* Pragma Unreserve_All_Interrupts::
* Pragma Unsuppress::
* Pragma Use_VADS_Size::
* Pragma Unused::
* Pragma Validity_Checks::
* Pragma Volatile::
* Pragma Volatile_Full_Access::
* Pragma Volatile_Function::
* Pragma Warning_As_Error::
* Pragma Warnings::
* Pragma Weak_External::
* Pragma Wide_Character_Encoding::
@end menu
@node Pragma Abort_Defer,Pragma Abstract_State,,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-abort-defer}@anchor{1c}
@section Pragma Abort_Defer
@geindex Deferring aborts
Syntax:
@example
pragma Abort_Defer;
@end example
This pragma must appear at the start of the statement sequence of a
handled sequence of statements (right after the @code{begin}). It has
the effect of deferring aborts for the sequence of statements (but not
for the declarations or handlers, if any, associated with this statement
sequence). This can also be useful for adding a polling point in Ada code,
where asynchronous abort of tasks is checked when leaving the statement
sequence, and is lighter than, for example, using @code{delay 0.0;}, since with
zero-cost exception handling, propagating exceptions (implicitly used to
implement task abort) cannot be done reliably in an asynchronous way.
An example of usage would be:
@example
-- Add a polling point to check for task aborts
begin
pragma Abort_Defer;
end;
@end example
@node Pragma Abstract_State,Pragma Ada_83,Pragma Abort_Defer,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id2}@anchor{1d}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-abstract-state}@anchor{1e}
@section Pragma Abstract_State
Syntax:
@example
pragma Abstract_State (ABSTRACT_STATE_LIST);
ABSTRACT_STATE_LIST ::=
null
| STATE_NAME_WITH_OPTIONS
| (STATE_NAME_WITH_OPTIONS @{, STATE_NAME_WITH_OPTIONS@} )
STATE_NAME_WITH_OPTIONS ::=
STATE_NAME
| (STATE_NAME with OPTION_LIST)
OPTION_LIST ::= OPTION @{, OPTION@}
OPTION ::=
SIMPLE_OPTION
| NAME_VALUE_OPTION
SIMPLE_OPTION ::= Ghost | Synchronous
NAME_VALUE_OPTION ::=
Part_Of => ABSTRACT_STATE
| External [=> EXTERNAL_PROPERTY_LIST]
EXTERNAL_PROPERTY_LIST ::=
EXTERNAL_PROPERTY
| (EXTERNAL_PROPERTY @{, EXTERNAL_PROPERTY@} )
EXTERNAL_PROPERTY ::=
Async_Readers [=> boolean_EXPRESSION]
| Async_Writers [=> boolean_EXPRESSION]
| Effective_Reads [=> boolean_EXPRESSION]
| Effective_Writes [=> boolean_EXPRESSION]
others => boolean_EXPRESSION
STATE_NAME ::= defining_identifier
ABSTRACT_STATE ::= name
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Abstract_State} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.4.
@node Pragma Ada_83,Pragma Ada_95,Pragma Abstract_State,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ada-83}@anchor{1f}
@section Pragma Ada_83
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ada_83;
@end example
A configuration pragma that establishes Ada 83 mode for the unit to
which it applies, regardless of the mode set by the command line
switches. In Ada 83 mode, GNAT attempts to be as compatible with
the syntax and semantics of Ada 83, as defined in the original Ada
83 Reference Manual as possible. In particular, the keywords added by Ada 95
and Ada 2005 are not recognized, optional package bodies are allowed,
and generics may name types with unknown discriminants without using
the @code{(<>)} notation. In addition, some but not all of the additional
restrictions of Ada 83 are enforced.
Ada 83 mode is intended for two purposes. Firstly, it allows existing
Ada 83 code to be compiled and adapted to GNAT with less effort.
Secondly, it aids in keeping code backwards compatible with Ada 83.
However, there is no guarantee that code that is processed correctly
by GNAT in Ada 83 mode will in fact compile and execute with an Ada
83 compiler, since GNAT does not enforce all the additional checks
required by Ada 83.
@node Pragma Ada_95,Pragma Ada_05,Pragma Ada_83,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ada-95}@anchor{20}
@section Pragma Ada_95
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ada_95;
@end example
A configuration pragma that establishes Ada 95 mode for the unit to which
it applies, regardless of the mode set by the command line switches.
This mode is set automatically for the @code{Ada} and @code{System}
packages and their children, so you need not specify it in these
contexts. This pragma is useful when writing a reusable component that
itself uses Ada 95 features, but which is intended to be usable from
either Ada 83 or Ada 95 programs.
@node Pragma Ada_05,Pragma Ada_2005,Pragma Ada_95,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ada-05}@anchor{21}
@section Pragma Ada_05
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ada_05;
pragma Ada_05 (local_NAME);
@end example
A configuration pragma that establishes Ada 2005 mode for the unit to which
it applies, regardless of the mode set by the command line switches.
This pragma is useful when writing a reusable component that
itself uses Ada 2005 features, but which is intended to be usable from
either Ada 83 or Ada 95 programs.
The one argument form (which is not a configuration pragma)
is used for managing the transition from
Ada 95 to Ada 2005 in the run-time library. If an entity is marked
as Ada_2005 only, then referencing the entity in Ada_83 or Ada_95
mode will generate a warning. In addition, in Ada_83 or Ada_95
mode, a preference rule is established which does not choose
such an entity unless it is unambiguously specified. This avoids
extra subprograms marked this way from generating ambiguities in
otherwise legal pre-Ada_2005 programs. The one argument form is
intended for exclusive use in the GNAT run-time library.
@node Pragma Ada_2005,Pragma Ada_12,Pragma Ada_05,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ada-2005}@anchor{22}
@section Pragma Ada_2005
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ada_2005;
@end example
This configuration pragma is a synonym for pragma Ada_05 and has the
same syntax and effect.
@node Pragma Ada_12,Pragma Ada_2012,Pragma Ada_2005,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ada-12}@anchor{23}
@section Pragma Ada_12
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ada_12;
pragma Ada_12 (local_NAME);
@end example
A configuration pragma that establishes Ada 2012 mode for the unit to which
it applies, regardless of the mode set by the command line switches.
This mode is set automatically for the @code{Ada} and @code{System}
packages and their children, so you need not specify it in these
contexts. This pragma is useful when writing a reusable component that
itself uses Ada 2012 features, but which is intended to be usable from
Ada 83, Ada 95, or Ada 2005 programs.
The one argument form, which is not a configuration pragma,
is used for managing the transition from Ada
2005 to Ada 2012 in the run-time library. If an entity is marked
as Ada_2012 only, then referencing the entity in any pre-Ada_2012
mode will generate a warning. In addition, in any pre-Ada_2012
mode, a preference rule is established which does not choose
such an entity unless it is unambiguously specified. This avoids
extra subprograms marked this way from generating ambiguities in
otherwise legal pre-Ada_2012 programs. The one argument form is
intended for exclusive use in the GNAT run-time library.
@node Pragma Ada_2012,Pragma Aggregate_Individually_Assign,Pragma Ada_12,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ada-2012}@anchor{24}
@section Pragma Ada_2012
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ada_2012;
@end example
This configuration pragma is a synonym for pragma Ada_12 and has the
same syntax and effect.
@node Pragma Aggregate_Individually_Assign,Pragma Allow_Integer_Address,Pragma Ada_2012,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-aggregate-individually-assign}@anchor{25}
@section Pragma Aggregate_Individually_Assign
Syntax:
@example
pragma Aggregate_Individually_Assign;
@end example
Where possible, GNAT will store the binary representation of a record aggregate
in memory for space and performance reasons. This configuration pragma changes
this behavior so that record aggregates are instead always converted into
individual assignment statements.
@node Pragma Allow_Integer_Address,Pragma Annotate,Pragma Aggregate_Individually_Assign,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-allow-integer-address}@anchor{26}
@section Pragma Allow_Integer_Address
Syntax:
@example
pragma Allow_Integer_Address;
@end example
In almost all versions of GNAT, @code{System.Address} is a private
type in accordance with the implementation advice in the RM. This
means that integer values,
in particular integer literals, are not allowed as address values.
If the configuration pragma
@code{Allow_Integer_Address} is given, then integer expressions may
be used anywhere a value of type @code{System.Address} is required.
The effect is to introduce an implicit unchecked conversion from the
integer value to type @code{System.Address}. The reverse case of using
an address where an integer type is required is handled analogously.
The following example compiles without errors:
@example
pragma Allow_Integer_Address;
with System; use System;
package AddrAsInt is
X : Integer;
Y : Integer;
for X'Address use 16#1240#;
for Y use at 16#3230#;
m : Address := 16#4000#;
n : constant Address := 4000;
p : constant Address := Address (X + Y);
v : Integer := y'Address;
w : constant Integer := Integer (Y'Address);
type R is new integer;
RR : R := 1000;
Z : Integer;
for Z'Address use RR;
end AddrAsInt;
@end example
Note that pragma @code{Allow_Integer_Address} is ignored if @code{System.Address}
is not a private type. In implementations of @code{GNAT} where
System.Address is a visible integer type,
this pragma serves no purpose but is ignored
rather than rejected to allow common sets of sources to be used
in the two situations.
@node Pragma Annotate,Pragma Assert,Pragma Allow_Integer_Address,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id3}@anchor{27}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-annotate}@anchor{28}
@section Pragma Annotate
Syntax:
@example
pragma Annotate (IDENTIFIER [, IDENTIFIER @{, ARG@}] [, entity => local_NAME]);
ARG ::= NAME | EXPRESSION
@end example
This pragma is used to annotate programs. IDENTIFIER identifies
the type of annotation. GNAT verifies that it is an identifier, but does
not otherwise analyze it. The second optional identifier is also left
unanalyzed, and by convention is used to control the action of the tool to
which the annotation is addressed. The remaining ARG arguments
can be either string literals or more generally expressions.
String literals (and concatenations of string literals) are assumed to be
either of type
@code{Standard.String} or else @code{Wide_String} or @code{Wide_Wide_String}
depending on the character literals they contain.
All other kinds of arguments are analyzed as expressions, and must be
unambiguous. The last argument if present must have the identifier
@code{Entity} and GNAT verifies that a local name is given.
The analyzed pragma is retained in the tree, but not otherwise processed
by any part of the GNAT compiler, except to generate corresponding note
lines in the generated ALI file. For the format of these note lines, see
the compiler source file lib-writ.ads. This pragma is intended for use by
external tools, including ASIS. The use of pragma Annotate does not
affect the compilation process in any way. This pragma may be used as
a configuration pragma.
@node Pragma Assert,Pragma Assert_And_Cut,Pragma Annotate,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-assert}@anchor{29}
@section Pragma Assert
Syntax:
@example
pragma Assert (
boolean_EXPRESSION
[, string_EXPRESSION]);
@end example
The effect of this pragma depends on whether the corresponding command
line switch is set to activate assertions. The pragma expands into code
equivalent to the following:
@example
if assertions-enabled then
if not boolean_EXPRESSION then
System.Assertions.Raise_Assert_Failure
(string_EXPRESSION);
end if;
end if;
@end example
The string argument, if given, is the message that will be associated
with the exception occurrence if the exception is raised. If no second
argument is given, the default message is @code{file}:@code{nnn},
where @code{file} is the name of the source file containing the assert,
and @code{nnn} is the line number of the assert.
Note that, as with the @code{if} statement to which it is equivalent, the
type of the expression is either @code{Standard.Boolean}, or any type derived
from this standard type.
Assert checks can be either checked or ignored. By default they are ignored.
They will be checked if either the command line switch @emph{-gnata} is
used, or if an @code{Assertion_Policy} or @code{Check_Policy} pragma is used
to enable @code{Assert_Checks}.
If assertions are ignored, then there
is no run-time effect (and in particular, any side effects from the
expression will not occur at run time). (The expression is still
analyzed at compile time, and may cause types to be frozen if they are
mentioned here for the first time).
If assertions are checked, then the given expression is tested, and if
it is @code{False} then @code{System.Assertions.Raise_Assert_Failure} is called
which results in the raising of @code{Assert_Failure} with the given message.
You should generally avoid side effects in the expression arguments of
this pragma, because these side effects will turn on and off with the
setting of the assertions mode, resulting in assertions that have an
effect on the program. However, the expressions are analyzed for
semantic correctness whether or not assertions are enabled, so turning
assertions on and off cannot affect the legality of a program.
Note that the implementation defined policy @code{DISABLE}, given in a
pragma @code{Assertion_Policy}, can be used to suppress this semantic analysis.
Note: this is a standard language-defined pragma in versions
of Ada from 2005 on. In GNAT, it is implemented in all versions
of Ada, and the DISABLE policy is an implementation-defined
addition.
@node Pragma Assert_And_Cut,Pragma Assertion_Policy,Pragma Assert,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-assert-and-cut}@anchor{2a}
@section Pragma Assert_And_Cut
Syntax:
@example
pragma Assert_And_Cut (
boolean_EXPRESSION
[, string_EXPRESSION]);
@end example
The effect of this pragma is identical to that of pragma @code{Assert},
except that in an @code{Assertion_Policy} pragma, the identifier
@code{Assert_And_Cut} is used to control whether it is ignored or checked
(or disabled).
The intention is that this be used within a subprogram when the
given test expresion sums up all the work done so far in the
subprogram, so that the rest of the subprogram can be verified
(informally or formally) using only the entry preconditions,
and the expression in this pragma. This allows dividing up
a subprogram into sections for the purposes of testing or
formal verification. The pragma also serves as useful
documentation.
@node Pragma Assertion_Policy,Pragma Assume,Pragma Assert_And_Cut,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-assertion-policy}@anchor{2b}
@section Pragma Assertion_Policy
Syntax:
@example
pragma Assertion_Policy (CHECK | DISABLE | IGNORE | SUPPRESSIBLE);
pragma Assertion_Policy (
ASSERTION_KIND => POLICY_IDENTIFIER
@{, ASSERTION_KIND => POLICY_IDENTIFIER@});
ASSERTION_KIND ::= RM_ASSERTION_KIND | ID_ASSERTION_KIND
RM_ASSERTION_KIND ::= Assert |
Static_Predicate |
Dynamic_Predicate |
Pre |
Pre'Class |
Post |
Post'Class |
Type_Invariant |
Type_Invariant'Class |
Default_Initial_Condition
ID_ASSERTION_KIND ::= Assertions |
Assert_And_Cut |
Assume |
Contract_Cases |
Debug |
Ghost |
Initial_Condition |
Invariant |
Invariant'Class |
Loop_Invariant |
Loop_Variant |
Postcondition |
Precondition |
Predicate |
Refined_Post |
Statement_Assertions |
Subprogram_Variant
POLICY_IDENTIFIER ::= Check | Disable | Ignore | Suppressible
@end example
This is a standard Ada 2012 pragma that is available as an
implementation-defined pragma in earlier versions of Ada.
The assertion kinds @code{RM_ASSERTION_KIND} are those defined in
the Ada standard. The assertion kinds @code{ID_ASSERTION_KIND}
are implementation defined additions recognized by the GNAT compiler.
The pragma applies in both cases to pragmas and aspects with matching
names, e.g. @code{Pre} applies to the Pre aspect, and @code{Precondition}
applies to both the @code{Precondition} pragma
and the aspect @code{Precondition}. Note that the identifiers for
pragmas Pre_Class and Post_Class are Pre’Class and Post’Class (not
Pre_Class and Post_Class), since these pragmas are intended to be
identical to the corresponding aspects).
If the policy is @code{CHECK}, then assertions are enabled, i.e.
the corresponding pragma or aspect is activated.
If the policy is @code{IGNORE}, then assertions are ignored, i.e.
the corresponding pragma or aspect is deactivated.
This pragma overrides the effect of the @emph{-gnata} switch on the
command line.
If the policy is @code{SUPPRESSIBLE}, then assertions are enabled by default,
however, if the @emph{-gnatp} switch is specified all assertions are ignored.
The implementation defined policy @code{DISABLE} is like
@code{IGNORE} except that it completely disables semantic
checking of the corresponding pragma or aspect. This is
useful when the pragma or aspect argument references subprograms
in a with’ed package which is replaced by a dummy package
for the final build.
The implementation defined assertion kind @code{Assertions} applies to all
assertion kinds. The form with no assertion kind given implies this
choice, so it applies to all assertion kinds (RM defined, and
implementation defined).
The implementation defined assertion kind @code{Statement_Assertions}
applies to @code{Assert}, @code{Assert_And_Cut},
@code{Assume}, @code{Loop_Invariant}, and @code{Loop_Variant}.
@node Pragma Assume,Pragma Assume_No_Invalid_Values,Pragma Assertion_Policy,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-assume}@anchor{2c}
@section Pragma Assume
Syntax:
@example
pragma Assume (
boolean_EXPRESSION
[, string_EXPRESSION]);
@end example
The effect of this pragma is identical to that of pragma @code{Assert},
except that in an @code{Assertion_Policy} pragma, the identifier
@code{Assume} is used to control whether it is ignored or checked
(or disabled).
The intention is that this be used for assumptions about the
external environment. So you cannot expect to verify formally
or informally that the condition is met, this must be
established by examining things outside the program itself.
For example, we may have code that depends on the size of
@code{Long_Long_Integer} being at least 64. So we could write:
@example
pragma Assume (Long_Long_Integer'Size >= 64);
@end example
This assumption cannot be proved from the program itself,
but it acts as a useful run-time check that the assumption
is met, and documents the need to ensure that it is met by
reference to information outside the program.
@node Pragma Assume_No_Invalid_Values,Pragma Async_Readers,Pragma Assume,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-assume-no-invalid-values}@anchor{2d}
@section Pragma Assume_No_Invalid_Values
@geindex Invalid representations
@geindex Invalid values
Syntax:
@example
pragma Assume_No_Invalid_Values (On | Off);
@end example
This is a configuration pragma that controls the assumptions made by the
compiler about the occurrence of invalid representations (invalid values)
in the code.
The default behavior (corresponding to an Off argument for this pragma), is
to assume that values may in general be invalid unless the compiler can
prove they are valid. Consider the following example:
@example
V1 : Integer range 1 .. 10;
V2 : Integer range 11 .. 20;
...
for J in V2 .. V1 loop
...
end loop;
@end example
if V1 and V2 have valid values, then the loop is known at compile
time not to execute since the lower bound must be greater than the
upper bound. However in default mode, no such assumption is made,
and the loop may execute. If @code{Assume_No_Invalid_Values (On)}
is given, the compiler will assume that any occurrence of a variable
other than in an explicit @code{'Valid} test always has a valid
value, and the loop above will be optimized away.
The use of @code{Assume_No_Invalid_Values (On)} is appropriate if
you know your code is free of uninitialized variables and other
possible sources of invalid representations, and may result in
more efficient code. A program that accesses an invalid representation
with this pragma in effect is erroneous, so no guarantees can be made
about its behavior.
It is peculiar though permissible to use this pragma in conjunction
with validity checking (-gnatVa). In such cases, accessing invalid
values will generally give an exception, though formally the program
is erroneous so there are no guarantees that this will always be the
case, and it is recommended that these two options not be used together.
@node Pragma Async_Readers,Pragma Async_Writers,Pragma Assume_No_Invalid_Values,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id4}@anchor{2e}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-async-readers}@anchor{2f}
@section Pragma Async_Readers
Syntax:
@example
pragma Async_Readers [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Async_Readers} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.2.
@node Pragma Async_Writers,Pragma Attribute_Definition,Pragma Async_Readers,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id5}@anchor{30}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-async-writers}@anchor{31}
@section Pragma Async_Writers
Syntax:
@example
pragma Async_Writers [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Async_Writers} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.2.
@node Pragma Attribute_Definition,Pragma C_Pass_By_Copy,Pragma Async_Writers,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-attribute-definition}@anchor{32}
@section Pragma Attribute_Definition
Syntax:
@example
pragma Attribute_Definition
([Attribute =>] ATTRIBUTE_DESIGNATOR,
[Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME,
[Expression =>] EXPRESSION | NAME);
@end example
If @code{Attribute} is a known attribute name, this pragma is equivalent to
the attribute definition clause:
@example
for Entity'Attribute use Expression;
@end example
If @code{Attribute} is not a recognized attribute name, the pragma is
ignored, and a warning is emitted. This allows source
code to be written that takes advantage of some new attribute, while remaining
compilable with earlier compilers.
@node Pragma C_Pass_By_Copy,Pragma Check,Pragma Attribute_Definition,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-c-pass-by-copy}@anchor{33}
@section Pragma C_Pass_By_Copy
@geindex Passing by copy
Syntax:
@example
pragma C_Pass_By_Copy
([Max_Size =>] static_integer_EXPRESSION);
@end example
Normally the default mechanism for passing C convention records to C
convention subprograms is to pass them by reference, as suggested by RM
B.3(69). Use the configuration pragma @code{C_Pass_By_Copy} to change
this default, by requiring that record formal parameters be passed by
copy if all of the following conditions are met:
@itemize *
@item
The size of the record type does not exceed the value specified for
@code{Max_Size}.
@item
The record type has @code{Convention C}.
@item
The formal parameter has this record type, and the subprogram has a
foreign (non-Ada) convention.
@end itemize
If these conditions are met the argument is passed by copy; i.e., in a
manner consistent with what C expects if the corresponding formal in the
C prototype is a struct (rather than a pointer to a struct).
You can also pass records by copy by specifying the convention
@code{C_Pass_By_Copy} for the record type, or by using the extended
@code{Import} and @code{Export} pragmas, which allow specification of
passing mechanisms on a parameter by parameter basis.
@node Pragma Check,Pragma Check_Float_Overflow,Pragma C_Pass_By_Copy,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-check}@anchor{34}
@section Pragma Check
@geindex Assertions
@geindex Named assertions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Check (
[Name =>] CHECK_KIND,
[Check =>] Boolean_EXPRESSION
[, [Message =>] string_EXPRESSION] );
CHECK_KIND ::= IDENTIFIER |
Pre'Class |
Post'Class |
Type_Invariant'Class |
Invariant'Class
@end example
This pragma is similar to the predefined pragma @code{Assert} except that an
extra identifier argument is present. In conjunction with pragma
@code{Check_Policy}, this can be used to define groups of assertions that can
be independently controlled. The identifier @code{Assertion} is special, it
refers to the normal set of pragma @code{Assert} statements.
Checks introduced by this pragma are normally deactivated by default. They can
be activated either by the command line option @emph{-gnata}, which turns on
all checks, or individually controlled using pragma @code{Check_Policy}.
The identifiers @code{Assertions} and @code{Statement_Assertions} are not
permitted as check kinds, since this would cause confusion with the use
of these identifiers in @code{Assertion_Policy} and @code{Check_Policy}
pragmas, where they are used to refer to sets of assertions.
@node Pragma Check_Float_Overflow,Pragma Check_Name,Pragma Check,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-check-float-overflow}@anchor{35}
@section Pragma Check_Float_Overflow
@geindex Floating-point overflow
Syntax:
@example
pragma Check_Float_Overflow;
@end example
In Ada, the predefined floating-point types (@code{Short_Float},
@code{Float}, @code{Long_Float}, @code{Long_Long_Float}) are
defined to be @emph{unconstrained}. This means that even though each
has a well-defined base range, an operation that delivers a result
outside this base range is not required to raise an exception.
This implementation permission accommodates the notion
of infinities in IEEE floating-point, and corresponds to the
efficient execution mode on most machines. GNAT will not raise
overflow exceptions on these machines; instead it will generate
infinities and NaN’s as defined in the IEEE standard.
Generating infinities, although efficient, is not always desirable.
Often the preferable approach is to check for overflow, even at the
(perhaps considerable) expense of run-time performance.
This can be accomplished by defining your own constrained floating-point subtypes – i.e., by supplying explicit
range constraints – and indeed such a subtype
can have the same base range as its base type. For example:
@example
subtype My_Float is Float range Float'Range;
@end example
Here @code{My_Float} has the same range as
@code{Float} but is constrained, so operations on
@code{My_Float} values will be checked for overflow
against this range.
This style will achieve the desired goal, but
it is often more convenient to be able to simply use
the standard predefined floating-point types as long
as overflow checking could be guaranteed.
The @code{Check_Float_Overflow}
configuration pragma achieves this effect. If a unit is compiled
subject to this configuration pragma, then all operations
on predefined floating-point types including operations on
base types of these floating-point types will be treated as
though those types were constrained, and overflow checks
will be generated. The @code{Constraint_Error}
exception is raised if the result is out of range.
This mode can also be set by use of the compiler
switch @emph{-gnateF}.
@node Pragma Check_Name,Pragma Check_Policy,Pragma Check_Float_Overflow,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-check-name}@anchor{36}
@section Pragma Check_Name
@geindex Defining check names
@geindex Check names
@geindex defining
Syntax:
@example
pragma Check_Name (check_name_IDENTIFIER);
@end example
This is a configuration pragma that defines a new implementation
defined check name (unless IDENTIFIER matches one of the predefined
check names, in which case the pragma has no effect). Check names
are global to a partition, so if two or more configuration pragmas
are present in a partition mentioning the same name, only one new
check name is introduced.
An implementation defined check name introduced with this pragma may
be used in only three contexts: @code{pragma Suppress},
@code{pragma Unsuppress},
and as the prefix of a @code{Check_Name'Enabled} attribute reference. For
any of these three cases, the check name must be visible. A check
name is visible if it is in the configuration pragmas applying to
the current unit, or if it appears at the start of any unit that
is part of the dependency set of the current unit (e.g., units that
are mentioned in @code{with} clauses).
Check names introduced by this pragma are subject to control by compiler
switches (in particular -gnatp) in the usual manner.
@node Pragma Check_Policy,Pragma Comment,Pragma Check_Name,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-check-policy}@anchor{37}
@section Pragma Check_Policy
@geindex Controlling assertions
@geindex Assertions
@geindex control
@geindex Check pragma control
@geindex Named assertions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Check_Policy
([Name =>] CHECK_KIND,
[Policy =>] POLICY_IDENTIFIER);
pragma Check_Policy (
CHECK_KIND => POLICY_IDENTIFIER
@{, CHECK_KIND => POLICY_IDENTIFIER@});
ASSERTION_KIND ::= RM_ASSERTION_KIND | ID_ASSERTION_KIND
CHECK_KIND ::= IDENTIFIER |
Pre'Class |
Post'Class |
Type_Invariant'Class |
Invariant'Class
The identifiers Name and Policy are not allowed as CHECK_KIND values. This
avoids confusion between the two possible syntax forms for this pragma.
POLICY_IDENTIFIER ::= ON | OFF | CHECK | DISABLE | IGNORE
@end example
This pragma is used to set the checking policy for assertions (specified
by aspects or pragmas), the @code{Debug} pragma, or additional checks
to be checked using the @code{Check} pragma. It may appear either as
a configuration pragma, or within a declarative part of package. In the
latter case, it applies from the point where it appears to the end of
the declarative region (like pragma @code{Suppress}).
The @code{Check_Policy} pragma is similar to the
predefined @code{Assertion_Policy} pragma,
and if the check kind corresponds to one of the assertion kinds that
are allowed by @code{Assertion_Policy}, then the effect is identical.
If the first argument is Debug, then the policy applies to Debug pragmas,
disabling their effect if the policy is @code{OFF}, @code{DISABLE}, or
@code{IGNORE}, and allowing them to execute with normal semantics if
the policy is @code{ON} or @code{CHECK}. In addition if the policy is
@code{DISABLE}, then the procedure call in @code{Debug} pragmas will
be totally ignored and not analyzed semantically.
Finally the first argument may be some other identifier than the above
possibilities, in which case it controls a set of named assertions
that can be checked using pragma @code{Check}. For example, if the pragma:
@example
pragma Check_Policy (Critical_Error, OFF);
@end example
is given, then subsequent @code{Check} pragmas whose first argument is also
@code{Critical_Error} will be disabled.
The check policy is @code{OFF} to turn off corresponding checks, and @code{ON}
to turn on corresponding checks. The default for a set of checks for which no
@code{Check_Policy} is given is @code{OFF} unless the compiler switch
@emph{-gnata} is given, which turns on all checks by default.
The check policy settings @code{CHECK} and @code{IGNORE} are recognized
as synonyms for @code{ON} and @code{OFF}. These synonyms are provided for
compatibility with the standard @code{Assertion_Policy} pragma. The check
policy setting @code{DISABLE} causes the second argument of a corresponding
@code{Check} pragma to be completely ignored and not analyzed.
@node Pragma Comment,Pragma Common_Object,Pragma Check_Policy,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-comment}@anchor{38}
@section Pragma Comment
Syntax:
@example
pragma Comment (static_string_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This is almost identical in effect to pragma @code{Ident}. It allows the
placement of a comment into the object file and hence into the
executable file if the operating system permits such usage. The
difference is that @code{Comment}, unlike @code{Ident}, has
no limitations on placement of the pragma (it can be placed
anywhere in the main source unit), and if more than one pragma
is used, all comments are retained.
@node Pragma Common_Object,Pragma Compile_Time_Error,Pragma Comment,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-common-object}@anchor{39}
@section Pragma Common_Object
Syntax:
@example
pragma Common_Object (
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Size =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL] );
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
@end example
This pragma enables the shared use of variables stored in overlaid
linker areas corresponding to the use of @code{COMMON}
in Fortran. The single
object @code{LOCAL_NAME} is assigned to the area designated by
the @code{External} argument.
You may define a record to correspond to a series
of fields. The @code{Size} argument
is syntax checked in GNAT, but otherwise ignored.
@code{Common_Object} is not supported on all platforms. If no
support is available, then the code generator will issue a message
indicating that the necessary attribute for implementation of this
pragma is not available.
@node Pragma Compile_Time_Error,Pragma Compile_Time_Warning,Pragma Common_Object,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas compile-time-error}@anchor{3a}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-compile-time-error}@anchor{3b}
@section Pragma Compile_Time_Error
Syntax:
@example
pragma Compile_Time_Error
(boolean_EXPRESSION, static_string_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma can be used to generate additional compile time
error messages. It
is particularly useful in generics, where errors can be issued for
specific problematic instantiations. The first parameter is a boolean
expression. The pragma ensures that the value of an expression
is known at compile time, and has the value False. The set of expressions
whose values are known at compile time includes all static boolean
expressions, and also other values which the compiler can determine
at compile time (e.g., the size of a record type set by an explicit
size representation clause, or the value of a variable which was
initialized to a constant and is known not to have been modified).
If these conditions are not met, an error message is generated using
the value given as the second argument. This string value may contain
embedded ASCII.LF characters to break the message into multiple lines.
@node Pragma Compile_Time_Warning,Pragma Complete_Representation,Pragma Compile_Time_Error,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-compile-time-warning}@anchor{3c}
@section Pragma Compile_Time_Warning
Syntax:
@example
pragma Compile_Time_Warning
(boolean_EXPRESSION, static_string_EXPRESSION);
@end example
Same as pragma Compile_Time_Error, except a warning is issued instead
of an error message. If switch @emph{-gnatw_C} is used, a warning is only issued
if the value of the expression is known to be True at compile time, not when
the value of the expression is not known at compile time.
Note that if this pragma is used in a package that
is with’ed by a client, the client will get the warning even though it
is issued by a with’ed package (normally warnings in with’ed units are
suppressed, but this is a special exception to that rule).
One typical use is within a generic where compile time known characteristics
of formal parameters are tested, and warnings given appropriately. Another use
with a first parameter of True is to warn a client about use of a package,
for example that it is not fully implemented.
In previous versions of the compiler, combining @emph{-gnatwe} with
Compile_Time_Warning resulted in a fatal error. Now the compiler always emits
a warning. You can use @ref{3a,,Pragma Compile_Time_Error} to force the generation of
an error.
@node Pragma Complete_Representation,Pragma Complex_Representation,Pragma Compile_Time_Warning,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-complete-representation}@anchor{3d}
@section Pragma Complete_Representation
Syntax:
@example
pragma Complete_Representation;
@end example
This pragma must appear immediately within a record representation
clause. Typical placements are before the first component clause
or after the last component clause. The effect is to give an error
message if any component is missing a component clause. This pragma
may be used to ensure that a record representation clause is
complete, and that this invariant is maintained if fields are
added to the record in the future.
@node Pragma Complex_Representation,Pragma Component_Alignment,Pragma Complete_Representation,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-complex-representation}@anchor{3e}
@section Pragma Complex_Representation
Syntax:
@example
pragma Complex_Representation
([Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
The @code{Entity} argument must be the name of a record type which has
two fields of the same floating-point type. The effect of this pragma is
to force gcc to use the special internal complex representation form for
this record, which may be more efficient. Note that this may result in
the code for this type not conforming to standard ABI (application
binary interface) requirements for the handling of record types. For
example, in some environments, there is a requirement for passing
records by pointer, and the use of this pragma may result in passing
this type in floating-point registers.
@node Pragma Component_Alignment,Pragma Constant_After_Elaboration,Pragma Complex_Representation,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-component-alignment}@anchor{3f}
@section Pragma Component_Alignment
@geindex Alignments of components
@geindex Pragma Component_Alignment
Syntax:
@example
pragma Component_Alignment (
[Form =>] ALIGNMENT_CHOICE
[, [Name =>] type_LOCAL_NAME]);
ALIGNMENT_CHOICE ::=
Component_Size
| Component_Size_4
| Storage_Unit
| Default
@end example
Specifies the alignment of components in array or record types.
The meaning of the @code{Form} argument is as follows:
@quotation
@geindex Component_Size (in pragma Component_Alignment)
@end quotation
@table @asis
@item @emph{Component_Size}
Aligns scalar components and subcomponents of the array or record type
on boundaries appropriate to their inherent size (naturally
aligned). For example, 1-byte components are aligned on byte boundaries,
2-byte integer components are aligned on 2-byte boundaries, 4-byte
integer components are aligned on 4-byte boundaries and so on. These
alignment rules correspond to the normal rules for C compilers on all
machines except the VAX.
@geindex Component_Size_4 (in pragma Component_Alignment)
@item @emph{Component_Size_4}
Naturally aligns components with a size of four or fewer
bytes. Components that are larger than 4 bytes are placed on the next
4-byte boundary.
@geindex Storage_Unit (in pragma Component_Alignment)
@item @emph{Storage_Unit}
Specifies that array or record components are byte aligned, i.e.,
aligned on boundaries determined by the value of the constant
@code{System.Storage_Unit}.
@geindex Default (in pragma Component_Alignment)
@item @emph{Default}
Specifies that array or record components are aligned on default
boundaries, appropriate to the underlying hardware or operating system or
both. The @code{Default} choice is the same as @code{Component_Size} (natural
alignment).
@end table
If the @code{Name} parameter is present, @code{type_LOCAL_NAME} must
refer to a local record or array type, and the specified alignment
choice applies to the specified type. The use of
@code{Component_Alignment} together with a pragma @code{Pack} causes the
@code{Component_Alignment} pragma to be ignored. The use of
@code{Component_Alignment} together with a record representation clause
is only effective for fields not specified by the representation clause.
If the @code{Name} parameter is absent, the pragma can be used as either
a configuration pragma, in which case it applies to one or more units in
accordance with the normal rules for configuration pragmas, or it can be
used within a declarative part, in which case it applies to types that
are declared within this declarative part, or within any nested scope
within this declarative part. In either case it specifies the alignment
to be applied to any record or array type which has otherwise standard
representation.
If the alignment for a record or array type is not specified (using
pragma @code{Pack}, pragma @code{Component_Alignment}, or a record rep
clause), the GNAT uses the default alignment as described previously.
@node Pragma Constant_After_Elaboration,Pragma Contract_Cases,Pragma Component_Alignment,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id6}@anchor{40}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-constant-after-elaboration}@anchor{41}
@section Pragma Constant_After_Elaboration
Syntax:
@example
pragma Constant_After_Elaboration [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect
@code{Constant_After_Elaboration} in the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 3.3.1.
@node Pragma Contract_Cases,Pragma Convention_Identifier,Pragma Constant_After_Elaboration,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id7}@anchor{42}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-contract-cases}@anchor{43}
@section Pragma Contract_Cases
@geindex Contract cases
Syntax:
@example
pragma Contract_Cases ((CONTRACT_CASE @{, CONTRACT_CASE));
CONTRACT_CASE ::= CASE_GUARD => CONSEQUENCE
CASE_GUARD ::= boolean_EXPRESSION | others
CONSEQUENCE ::= boolean_EXPRESSION
@end example
The @code{Contract_Cases} pragma allows defining fine-grain specifications
that can complement or replace the contract given by a precondition and a
postcondition. Additionally, the @code{Contract_Cases} pragma can be used
by testing and formal verification tools. The compiler checks its validity and,
depending on the assertion policy at the point of declaration of the pragma,
it may insert a check in the executable. For code generation, the contract
cases
@example
pragma Contract_Cases (
Cond1 => Pred1,
Cond2 => Pred2);
@end example
are equivalent to
@example
C1 : constant Boolean := Cond1; -- evaluated at subprogram entry
C2 : constant Boolean := Cond2; -- evaluated at subprogram entry
pragma Precondition ((C1 and not C2) or (C2 and not C1));
pragma Postcondition (if C1 then Pred1);
pragma Postcondition (if C2 then Pred2);
@end example
The precondition ensures that one and only one of the case guards is
satisfied on entry to the subprogram.
The postcondition ensures that for the case guard that was True on entry,
the corresponding consequence is True on exit. Other consequence expressions
are not evaluated.
A precondition @code{P} and postcondition @code{Q} can also be
expressed as contract cases:
@example
pragma Contract_Cases (P => Q);
@end example
The placement and visibility rules for @code{Contract_Cases} pragmas are
identical to those described for preconditions and postconditions.
The compiler checks that boolean expressions given in case guards and
consequences are valid, where the rules for case guards are the same as
the rule for an expression in @code{Precondition} and the rules for
consequences are the same as the rule for an expression in
@code{Postcondition}. In particular, attributes @code{'Old} and
@code{'Result} can only be used within consequence expressions.
The case guard for the last contract case may be @code{others}, to denote
any case not captured by the previous cases. The
following is an example of use within a package spec:
@example
package Math_Functions is
...
function Sqrt (Arg : Float) return Float;
pragma Contract_Cases (((Arg in 0.0 .. 99.0) => Sqrt'Result < 10.0,
Arg >= 100.0 => Sqrt'Result >= 10.0,
others => Sqrt'Result = 0.0));
...
end Math_Functions;
@end example
The meaning of contract cases is that only one case should apply at each
call, as determined by the corresponding case guard evaluating to True,
and that the consequence for this case should hold when the subprogram
returns.
@node Pragma Convention_Identifier,Pragma CPP_Class,Pragma Contract_Cases,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-convention-identifier}@anchor{44}
@section Pragma Convention_Identifier
@geindex Conventions
@geindex synonyms
Syntax:
@example
pragma Convention_Identifier (
[Name =>] IDENTIFIER,
[Convention =>] convention_IDENTIFIER);
@end example
This pragma provides a mechanism for supplying synonyms for existing
convention identifiers. The @code{Name} identifier can subsequently
be used as a synonym for the given convention in other pragmas (including
for example pragma @code{Import} or another @code{Convention_Identifier}
pragma). As an example of the use of this, suppose you had legacy code
which used Fortran77 as the identifier for Fortran. Then the pragma:
@example
pragma Convention_Identifier (Fortran77, Fortran);
@end example
would allow the use of the convention identifier @code{Fortran77} in
subsequent code, avoiding the need to modify the sources. As another
example, you could use this to parameterize convention requirements
according to systems. Suppose you needed to use @code{Stdcall} on
windows systems, and @code{C} on some other system, then you could
define a convention identifier @code{Library} and use a single
@code{Convention_Identifier} pragma to specify which convention
would be used system-wide.
@node Pragma CPP_Class,Pragma CPP_Constructor,Pragma Convention_Identifier,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-cpp-class}@anchor{45}
@section Pragma CPP_Class
@geindex Interfacing with C++
Syntax:
@example
pragma CPP_Class ([Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
The argument denotes an entity in the current declarative region that is
declared as a record type. It indicates that the type corresponds to an
externally declared C++ class type, and is to be laid out the same way
that C++ would lay out the type. If the C++ class has virtual primitives
then the record must be declared as a tagged record type.
Types for which @code{CPP_Class} is specified do not have assignment or
equality operators defined (such operations can be imported or declared
as subprograms as required). Initialization is allowed only by constructor
functions (see pragma @code{CPP_Constructor}). Such types are implicitly
limited if not explicitly declared as limited or derived from a limited
type, and an error is issued in that case.
See @ref{46,,Interfacing to C++} for related information.
Note: Pragma @code{CPP_Class} is currently obsolete. It is supported
for backward compatibility but its functionality is available
using pragma @code{Import} with @code{Convention} = @code{CPP}.
@node Pragma CPP_Constructor,Pragma CPP_Virtual,Pragma CPP_Class,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-cpp-constructor}@anchor{47}
@section Pragma CPP_Constructor
@geindex Interfacing with C++
Syntax:
@example
pragma CPP_Constructor ([Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External_Name =>] static_string_EXPRESSION ]
[, [Link_Name =>] static_string_EXPRESSION ]);
@end example
This pragma identifies an imported function (imported in the usual way
with pragma @code{Import}) as corresponding to a C++ constructor. If
@code{External_Name} and @code{Link_Name} are not specified then the
@code{Entity} argument is a name that must have been previously mentioned
in a pragma @code{Import} with @code{Convention} = @code{CPP}. Such name
must be of one of the following forms:
@itemize *
@item
@strong{function} @code{Fname} @strong{return} T`
@item
@strong{function} @code{Fname} @strong{return} T’Class
@item
@strong{function} @code{Fname} (…) @strong{return} T`
@item
@strong{function} @code{Fname} (…) @strong{return} T’Class
@end itemize
where @code{T} is a limited record type imported from C++ with pragma
@code{Import} and @code{Convention} = @code{CPP}.
The first two forms import the default constructor, used when an object
of type @code{T} is created on the Ada side with no explicit constructor.
The latter two forms cover all the non-default constructors of the type.
See the GNAT User’s Guide for details.
If no constructors are imported, it is impossible to create any objects
on the Ada side and the type is implicitly declared abstract.
Pragma @code{CPP_Constructor} is intended primarily for automatic generation
using an automatic binding generator tool (such as the @code{-fdump-ada-spec}
GCC switch).
See @ref{46,,Interfacing to C++} for more related information.
Note: The use of functions returning class-wide types for constructors is
currently obsolete. They are supported for backward compatibility. The
use of functions returning the type T leave the Ada sources more clear
because the imported C++ constructors always return an object of type T;
that is, they never return an object whose type is a descendant of type T.
@node Pragma CPP_Virtual,Pragma CPP_Vtable,Pragma CPP_Constructor,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-cpp-virtual}@anchor{48}
@section Pragma CPP_Virtual
@geindex Interfacing to C++
This pragma is now obsolete and, other than generating a warning if warnings
on obsolescent features are enabled, is completely ignored.
It is retained for compatibility
purposes. It used to be required to ensure compoatibility with C++, but
is no longer required for that purpose because GNAT generates
the same object layout as the G++ compiler by default.
See @ref{46,,Interfacing to C++} for related information.
@node Pragma CPP_Vtable,Pragma CPU,Pragma CPP_Virtual,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-cpp-vtable}@anchor{49}
@section Pragma CPP_Vtable
@geindex Interfacing with C++
This pragma is now obsolete and, other than generating a warning if warnings
on obsolescent features are enabled, is completely ignored.
It used to be required to ensure compatibility with C++, but
is no longer required for that purpose because GNAT generates
the same object layout as the G++ compiler by default.
See @ref{46,,Interfacing to C++} for related information.
@node Pragma CPU,Pragma Deadline_Floor,Pragma CPP_Vtable,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-cpu}@anchor{4a}
@section Pragma CPU
Syntax:
@example
pragma CPU (EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2012, but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
See Ada 2012 Reference Manual for details.
@node Pragma Deadline_Floor,Pragma Default_Initial_Condition,Pragma CPU,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-deadline-floor}@anchor{4b}
@section Pragma Deadline_Floor
Syntax:
@example
pragma Deadline_Floor (time_span_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma applies only to protected types and specifies the floor
deadline inherited by a task when the task enters a protected object.
It is effective only when the EDF scheduling policy is used.
@node Pragma Default_Initial_Condition,Pragma Debug,Pragma Deadline_Floor,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id8}@anchor{4c}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-default-initial-condition}@anchor{4d}
@section Pragma Default_Initial_Condition
Syntax:
@example
pragma Default_Initial_Condition [ (null | boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect
@code{Default_Initial_Condition} in the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.3.3.
@node Pragma Debug,Pragma Debug_Policy,Pragma Default_Initial_Condition,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-debug}@anchor{4e}
@section Pragma Debug
Syntax:
@example
pragma Debug ([CONDITION, ]PROCEDURE_CALL_WITHOUT_SEMICOLON);
PROCEDURE_CALL_WITHOUT_SEMICOLON ::=
PROCEDURE_NAME
| PROCEDURE_PREFIX ACTUAL_PARAMETER_PART
@end example
The procedure call argument has the syntactic form of an expression, meeting
the syntactic requirements for pragmas.
If debug pragmas are not enabled or if the condition is present and evaluates
to False, this pragma has no effect. If debug pragmas are enabled, the
semantics of the pragma is exactly equivalent to the procedure call statement
corresponding to the argument with a terminating semicolon. Pragmas are
permitted in sequences of declarations, so you can use pragma @code{Debug} to
intersperse calls to debug procedures in the middle of declarations. Debug
pragmas can be enabled either by use of the command line switch @emph{-gnata}
or by use of the pragma @code{Check_Policy} with a first argument of
@code{Debug}.
@node Pragma Debug_Policy,Pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order,Pragma Debug,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-debug-policy}@anchor{4f}
@section Pragma Debug_Policy
Syntax:
@example
pragma Debug_Policy (CHECK | DISABLE | IGNORE | ON | OFF);
@end example
This pragma is equivalent to a corresponding @code{Check_Policy} pragma
with a first argument of @code{Debug}. It is retained for historical
compatibility reasons.
@node Pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order,Pragma Default_Storage_Pool,Pragma Debug_Policy,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-default-scalar-storage-order}@anchor{50}
@section Pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order
@geindex Default_Scalar_Storage_Order
@geindex Scalar_Storage_Order
Syntax:
@example
pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order (High_Order_First | Low_Order_First);
@end example
Normally if no explicit @code{Scalar_Storage_Order} is given for a record
type or array type, then the scalar storage order defaults to the ordinary
default for the target. But this default may be overridden using this pragma.
The pragma may appear as a configuration pragma, or locally within a package
spec or declarative part. In the latter case, it applies to all subsequent
types declared within that package spec or declarative part.
The following example shows the use of this pragma:
@example
pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order (High_Order_First);
with System; use System;
package DSSO1 is
type H1 is record
a : Integer;
end record;
type L2 is record
a : Integer;
end record;
for L2'Scalar_Storage_Order use Low_Order_First;
type L2a is new L2;
package Inner is
type H3 is record
a : Integer;
end record;
pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order (Low_Order_First);
type L4 is record
a : Integer;
end record;
end Inner;
type H4a is new Inner.L4;
type H5 is record
a : Integer;
end record;
end DSSO1;
@end example
In this example record types with names starting with @emph{L} have @cite{Low_Order_First} scalar
storage order, and record types with names starting with @emph{H} have @code{High_Order_First}.
Note that in the case of @code{H4a}, the order is not inherited
from the parent type. Only an explicitly set @code{Scalar_Storage_Order}
gets inherited on type derivation.
If this pragma is used as a configuration pragma which appears within a
configuration pragma file (as opposed to appearing explicitly at the start
of a single unit), then the binder will require that all units in a partition
be compiled in a similar manner, other than run-time units, which are not
affected by this pragma. Note that the use of this form is discouraged because
it may significantly degrade the run-time performance of the software, instead
the default scalar storage order ought to be changed only on a local basis.
@node Pragma Default_Storage_Pool,Pragma Depends,Pragma Default_Scalar_Storage_Order,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-default-storage-pool}@anchor{51}
@section Pragma Default_Storage_Pool
@geindex Default_Storage_Pool
Syntax:
@example
pragma Default_Storage_Pool (storage_pool_NAME | null);
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2012, but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
See Ada 2012 Reference Manual for details.
@node Pragma Depends,Pragma Detect_Blocking,Pragma Default_Storage_Pool,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id9}@anchor{52}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-depends}@anchor{53}
@section Pragma Depends
Syntax:
@example
pragma Depends (DEPENDENCY_RELATION);
DEPENDENCY_RELATION ::=
null
| (DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE @{, DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE@})
DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE ::=
OUTPUT_LIST =>[+] INPUT_LIST
| NULL_DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE
NULL_DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE ::= null => INPUT_LIST
OUTPUT_LIST ::= OUTPUT | (OUTPUT @{, OUTPUT@})
INPUT_LIST ::= null | INPUT | (INPUT @{, INPUT@})
OUTPUT ::= NAME | FUNCTION_RESULT
INPUT ::= NAME
where FUNCTION_RESULT is a function Result attribute_reference
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Depends} in the
SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 6.1.5.
@node Pragma Detect_Blocking,Pragma Disable_Atomic_Synchronization,Pragma Depends,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-detect-blocking}@anchor{54}
@section Pragma Detect_Blocking
Syntax:
@example
pragma Detect_Blocking;
@end example
This is a standard pragma in Ada 2005, that is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
This is a configuration pragma that forces the detection of potentially
blocking operations within a protected operation, and to raise Program_Error
if that happens.
@node Pragma Disable_Atomic_Synchronization,Pragma Dispatching_Domain,Pragma Detect_Blocking,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-disable-atomic-synchronization}@anchor{55}
@section Pragma Disable_Atomic_Synchronization
@geindex Atomic Synchronization
Syntax:
@example
pragma Disable_Atomic_Synchronization [(Entity)];
@end example
Ada requires that accesses (reads or writes) of an atomic variable be
regarded as synchronization points in the case of multiple tasks.
Particularly in the case of multi-processors this may require special
handling, e.g. the generation of memory barriers. This capability may
be turned off using this pragma in cases where it is known not to be
required.
The placement and scope rules for this pragma are the same as those
for @code{pragma Suppress}. In particular it can be used as a
configuration pragma, or in a declaration sequence where it applies
till the end of the scope. If an @code{Entity} argument is present,
the action applies only to that entity.
@node Pragma Dispatching_Domain,Pragma Effective_Reads,Pragma Disable_Atomic_Synchronization,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-dispatching-domain}@anchor{56}
@section Pragma Dispatching_Domain
Syntax:
@example
pragma Dispatching_Domain (EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2012, but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
See Ada 2012 Reference Manual for details.
@node Pragma Effective_Reads,Pragma Effective_Writes,Pragma Dispatching_Domain,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id10}@anchor{57}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-effective-reads}@anchor{58}
@section Pragma Effective_Reads
Syntax:
@example
pragma Effective_Reads [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Effective_Reads} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.2.
@node Pragma Effective_Writes,Pragma Elaboration_Checks,Pragma Effective_Reads,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id11}@anchor{59}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-effective-writes}@anchor{5a}
@section Pragma Effective_Writes
Syntax:
@example
pragma Effective_Writes [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Effective_Writes}
in the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.2.
@node Pragma Elaboration_Checks,Pragma Eliminate,Pragma Effective_Writes,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-elaboration-checks}@anchor{5b}
@section Pragma Elaboration_Checks
@geindex Elaboration control
Syntax:
@example
pragma Elaboration_Checks (Dynamic | Static);
@end example
This is a configuration pragma which specifies the elaboration model to be
used during compilation. For more information on the elaboration models of
GNAT, consult the chapter on elaboration order handling in the @emph{GNAT User’s
Guide}.
The pragma may appear in the following contexts:
@itemize *
@item
Configuration pragmas file
@item
Prior to the context clauses of a compilation unit’s initial declaration
@end itemize
Any other placement of the pragma will result in a warning and the effects of
the offending pragma will be ignored.
If the pragma argument is @code{Dynamic}, then the dynamic elaboration model is in
effect. If the pragma argument is @code{Static}, then the static elaboration model
is in effect.
@node Pragma Eliminate,Pragma Enable_Atomic_Synchronization,Pragma Elaboration_Checks,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-eliminate}@anchor{5c}
@section Pragma Eliminate
@geindex Elimination of unused subprograms
Syntax:
@example
pragma Eliminate (
[ Unit_Name => ] IDENTIFIER | SELECTED_COMPONENT ,
[ Entity => ] IDENTIFIER |
SELECTED_COMPONENT |
STRING_LITERAL
[, Source_Location => SOURCE_TRACE ] );
SOURCE_TRACE ::= STRING_LITERAL
@end example
This pragma indicates that the given entity is not used in the program to be
compiled and built, thus allowing the compiler to
eliminate the code or data associated with the named entity. Any reference to
an eliminated entity causes a compile-time or link-time error.
The pragma has the following semantics, where @code{U} is the unit specified by
the @code{Unit_Name} argument and @code{E} is the entity specified by the @code{Entity}
argument:
@itemize *
@item
@code{E} must be a subprogram that is explicitly declared either:
o Within @code{U}, or
o Within a generic package that is instantiated in @code{U}, or
o As an instance of generic subprogram instantiated in @code{U}.
Otherwise the pragma is ignored.
@item
If @code{E} is overloaded within @code{U} then, in the absence of a
@code{Source_Location} argument, all overloadings are eliminated.
@item
If @code{E} is overloaded within @code{U} and only some overloadings
are to be eliminated, then each overloading to be eliminated
must be specified in a corresponding pragma @code{Eliminate}
with a @code{Source_Location} argument identifying the line where the
declaration appears, as described below.
@item
If @code{E} is declared as the result of a generic instantiation, then
a @code{Source_Location} argument is needed, as described below
@end itemize
Pragma @code{Eliminate} allows a program to be compiled in a system-independent
manner, so that unused entities are eliminated but without
needing to modify the source text. Normally the required set of
@code{Eliminate} pragmas is constructed automatically using the @code{gnatelim} tool.
Any source file change that removes, splits, or
adds lines may make the set of @code{Eliminate} pragmas invalid because their
@code{Source_Location} argument values may get out of date.
Pragma @code{Eliminate} may be used where the referenced entity is a dispatching
operation. In this case all the subprograms to which the given operation can
dispatch are considered to be unused (are never called as a result of a direct
or a dispatching call).
The string literal given for the source location specifies the line number
of the declaration of the entity, using the following syntax for @code{SOURCE_TRACE}:
@example
SOURCE_TRACE ::= SOURCE_REFERENCE [ LBRACKET SOURCE_TRACE RBRACKET ]
LBRACKET ::= '['
RBRACKET ::= ']'
SOURCE_REFERENCE ::= FILE_NAME : LINE_NUMBER
LINE_NUMBER ::= DIGIT @{DIGIT@}
@end example
Spaces around the colon in a @code{SOURCE_REFERENCE} are optional.
The source trace that is given as the @code{Source_Location} must obey the
following rules (or else the pragma is ignored), where @code{U} is
the unit @code{U} specified by the @code{Unit_Name} argument and @code{E} is the
subprogram specified by the @code{Entity} argument:
@itemize *
@item
@code{FILE_NAME} is the short name (with no directory
information) of the Ada source file for @code{U}, using the required syntax
for the underlying file system (e.g. case is significant if the underlying
operating system is case sensitive).
If @code{U} is a package and @code{E} is a subprogram declared in the package
specification and its full declaration appears in the package body,
then the relevant source file is the one for the package specification;
analogously if @code{U} is a generic package.
@item
If @code{E} is not declared in a generic instantiation (this includes
generic subprogram instances), the source trace includes only one source
line reference. @code{LINE_NUMBER} gives the line number of the occurrence
of the declaration of @code{E} within the source file (as a decimal literal
without an exponent or point).
@item
If @code{E} is declared by a generic instantiation, its source trace
(from left to right) starts with the source location of the
declaration of @code{E} in the generic unit and ends with the source
location of the instantiation, given in square brackets. This approach is
applied recursively with nested instantiations: the rightmost (nested
most deeply in square brackets) element of the source trace is the location
of the outermost instantiation, and the leftmost element (that is, outside
of any square brackets) is the location of the declaration of @code{E} in
the generic unit.
@end itemize
Examples:
@quotation
@example
pragma Eliminate (Pkg0, Proc);
-- Eliminate (all overloadings of) Proc in Pkg0
pragma Eliminate (Pkg1, Proc,
Source_Location => "pkg1.ads:8");
-- Eliminate overloading of Proc at line 8 in pkg1.ads
-- Assume the following file contents:
-- gen_pkg.ads
-- 1: generic
-- 2: type T is private;
-- 3: package Gen_Pkg is
-- 4: procedure Proc(N : T);
-- ... ...
-- ... end Gen_Pkg;
--
-- q.adb
-- 1: with Gen_Pkg;
-- 2: procedure Q is
-- 3: package Inst_Pkg is new Gen_Pkg(Integer);
-- ... -- No calls on Inst_Pkg.Proc
-- ... end Q;
-- The following pragma eliminates Inst_Pkg.Proc from Q
pragma Eliminate (Q, Proc,
Source_Location => "gen_pkg.ads:4[q.adb:3]");
@end example
@end quotation
@node Pragma Enable_Atomic_Synchronization,Pragma Export_Function,Pragma Eliminate,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-enable-atomic-synchronization}@anchor{5d}
@section Pragma Enable_Atomic_Synchronization
@geindex Atomic Synchronization
Syntax:
@example
pragma Enable_Atomic_Synchronization [(Entity)];
@end example
Ada requires that accesses (reads or writes) of an atomic variable be
regarded as synchronization points in the case of multiple tasks.
Particularly in the case of multi-processors this may require special
handling, e.g. the generation of memory barriers. This synchronization
is performed by default, but can be turned off using
@code{pragma Disable_Atomic_Synchronization}. The
@code{Enable_Atomic_Synchronization} pragma can be used to turn
it back on.
The placement and scope rules for this pragma are the same as those
for @code{pragma Unsuppress}. In particular it can be used as a
configuration pragma, or in a declaration sequence where it applies
till the end of the scope. If an @code{Entity} argument is present,
the action applies only to that entity.
@node Pragma Export_Function,Pragma Export_Object,Pragma Enable_Atomic_Synchronization,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-export-function}@anchor{5e}
@section Pragma Export_Function
@geindex Argument passing mechanisms
Syntax:
@example
pragma Export_Function (
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Parameter_Types =>] PARAMETER_TYPES]
[, [Result_Type =>] result_SUBTYPE_MARK]
[, [Mechanism =>] MECHANISM]
[, [Result_Mechanism =>] MECHANISM_NAME]);
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
| ""
PARAMETER_TYPES ::=
null
| TYPE_DESIGNATOR @{, TYPE_DESIGNATOR@}
TYPE_DESIGNATOR ::=
subtype_NAME
| subtype_Name ' Access
MECHANISM ::=
MECHANISM_NAME
| (MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION @{, MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION@})
MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION ::=
[formal_parameter_NAME =>] MECHANISM_NAME
MECHANISM_NAME ::= Value | Reference
@end example
Use this pragma to make a function externally callable and optionally
provide information on mechanisms to be used for passing parameter and
result values. We recommend, for the purposes of improving portability,
this pragma always be used in conjunction with a separate pragma
@code{Export}, which must precede the pragma @code{Export_Function}.
GNAT does not require a separate pragma @code{Export}, but if none is
present, @code{Convention Ada} is assumed, which is usually
not what is wanted, so it is usually appropriate to use this
pragma in conjunction with a @code{Export} or @code{Convention}
pragma that specifies the desired foreign convention.
Pragma @code{Export_Function}
(and @code{Export}, if present) must appear in the same declarative
region as the function to which they apply.
The @code{internal_name} must uniquely designate the function to which the
pragma applies. If more than one function name exists of this name in
the declarative part you must use the @code{Parameter_Types} and
@code{Result_Type} parameters to achieve the required
unique designation. The @cite{subtype_mark}s in these parameters must
exactly match the subtypes in the corresponding function specification,
using positional notation to match parameters with subtype marks.
The form with an @code{'Access} attribute can be used to match an
anonymous access parameter.
@geindex Suppressing external name
Special treatment is given if the EXTERNAL is an explicit null
string or a static string expressions that evaluates to the null
string. In this case, no external name is generated. This form
still allows the specification of parameter mechanisms.
@node Pragma Export_Object,Pragma Export_Procedure,Pragma Export_Function,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-export-object}@anchor{5f}
@section Pragma Export_Object
Syntax:
@example
pragma Export_Object
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Size =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
@end example
This pragma designates an object as exported, and apart from the
extended rules for external symbols, is identical in effect to the use of
the normal @code{Export} pragma applied to an object. You may use a
separate Export pragma (and you probably should from the point of view
of portability), but it is not required. @code{Size} is syntax checked,
but otherwise ignored by GNAT.
@node Pragma Export_Procedure,Pragma Export_Valued_Procedure,Pragma Export_Object,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-export-procedure}@anchor{60}
@section Pragma Export_Procedure
Syntax:
@example
pragma Export_Procedure (
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Parameter_Types =>] PARAMETER_TYPES]
[, [Mechanism =>] MECHANISM]);
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
| ""
PARAMETER_TYPES ::=
null
| TYPE_DESIGNATOR @{, TYPE_DESIGNATOR@}
TYPE_DESIGNATOR ::=
subtype_NAME
| subtype_Name ' Access
MECHANISM ::=
MECHANISM_NAME
| (MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION @{, MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION@})
MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION ::=
[formal_parameter_NAME =>] MECHANISM_NAME
MECHANISM_NAME ::= Value | Reference
@end example
This pragma is identical to @code{Export_Function} except that it
applies to a procedure rather than a function and the parameters
@code{Result_Type} and @code{Result_Mechanism} are not permitted.
GNAT does not require a separate pragma @code{Export}, but if none is
present, @code{Convention Ada} is assumed, which is usually
not what is wanted, so it is usually appropriate to use this
pragma in conjunction with a @code{Export} or @code{Convention}
pragma that specifies the desired foreign convention.
@geindex Suppressing external name
Special treatment is given if the EXTERNAL is an explicit null
string or a static string expressions that evaluates to the null
string. In this case, no external name is generated. This form
still allows the specification of parameter mechanisms.
@node Pragma Export_Valued_Procedure,Pragma Extend_System,Pragma Export_Procedure,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-export-valued-procedure}@anchor{61}
@section Pragma Export_Valued_Procedure
Syntax:
@example
pragma Export_Valued_Procedure (
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Parameter_Types =>] PARAMETER_TYPES]
[, [Mechanism =>] MECHANISM]);
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
| ""
PARAMETER_TYPES ::=
null
| TYPE_DESIGNATOR @{, TYPE_DESIGNATOR@}
TYPE_DESIGNATOR ::=
subtype_NAME
| subtype_Name ' Access
MECHANISM ::=
MECHANISM_NAME
| (MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION @{, MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION@})
MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION ::=
[formal_parameter_NAME =>] MECHANISM_NAME
MECHANISM_NAME ::= Value | Reference
@end example
This pragma is identical to @code{Export_Procedure} except that the
first parameter of @code{LOCAL_NAME}, which must be present, must be of
mode @code{out}, and externally the subprogram is treated as a function
with this parameter as the result of the function. GNAT provides for
this capability to allow the use of @code{out} and @code{in out}
parameters in interfacing to external functions (which are not permitted
in Ada functions).
GNAT does not require a separate pragma @code{Export}, but if none is
present, @code{Convention Ada} is assumed, which is almost certainly
not what is wanted since the whole point of this pragma is to interface
with foreign language functions, so it is usually appropriate to use this
pragma in conjunction with a @code{Export} or @code{Convention}
pragma that specifies the desired foreign convention.
@geindex Suppressing external name
Special treatment is given if the EXTERNAL is an explicit null
string or a static string expressions that evaluates to the null
string. In this case, no external name is generated. This form
still allows the specification of parameter mechanisms.
@node Pragma Extend_System,Pragma Extensions_Allowed,Pragma Export_Valued_Procedure,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-extend-system}@anchor{62}
@section Pragma Extend_System
@geindex System
@geindex extending
@geindex DEC Ada 83
Syntax:
@example
pragma Extend_System ([Name =>] IDENTIFIER);
@end example
This pragma is used to provide backwards compatibility with other
implementations that extend the facilities of package @code{System}. In
GNAT, @code{System} contains only the definitions that are present in
the Ada RM. However, other implementations, notably the DEC Ada 83
implementation, provide many extensions to package @code{System}.
For each such implementation accommodated by this pragma, GNAT provides a
package @code{Aux_@emph{xxx}}, e.g., @code{Aux_DEC} for the DEC Ada 83
implementation, which provides the required additional definitions. You
can use this package in two ways. You can @code{with} it in the normal
way and access entities either by selection or using a @code{use}
clause. In this case no special processing is required.
However, if existing code contains references such as
@code{System.@emph{xxx}} where @emph{xxx} is an entity in the extended
definitions provided in package @code{System}, you may use this pragma
to extend visibility in @code{System} in a non-standard way that
provides greater compatibility with the existing code. Pragma
@code{Extend_System} is a configuration pragma whose single argument is
the name of the package containing the extended definition
(e.g., @code{Aux_DEC} for the DEC Ada case). A unit compiled under
control of this pragma will be processed using special visibility
processing that looks in package @code{System.Aux_@emph{xxx}} where
@code{Aux_@emph{xxx}} is the pragma argument for any entity referenced in
package @code{System}, but not found in package @code{System}.
You can use this pragma either to access a predefined @code{System}
extension supplied with the compiler, for example @code{Aux_DEC} or
you can construct your own extension unit following the above
definition. Note that such a package is a child of @code{System}
and thus is considered part of the implementation.
To compile it you will have to use the @emph{-gnatg} switch
for compiling System units, as explained in the
GNAT User’s Guide.
@node Pragma Extensions_Allowed,Pragma Extensions_Visible,Pragma Extend_System,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-extensions-allowed}@anchor{63}
@section Pragma Extensions_Allowed
@geindex Ada Extensions
@geindex GNAT Extensions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Extensions_Allowed (On | Off);
@end example
This configuration pragma enables or disables the implementation
extension mode (the use of Off as a parameter cancels the effect
of the @emph{-gnatX} command switch).
In extension mode, the latest version of the Ada language is
implemented (currently Ada 2022), and in addition a number
of GNAT specific extensions are recognized as follows:
@itemize *
@item
Constrained attribute for generic objects
The @code{Constrained} attribute is permitted for objects of
generic types. The result indicates if the corresponding actual
is constrained.
@item
@code{Static} aspect on intrinsic functions
The Ada 202x @code{Static} aspect can be specified on Intrinsic imported
functions and the compiler will evaluate some of these intrinsic statically,
in particular the @code{Shift_Left} and @code{Shift_Right} intrinsics.
@item
@code{'Reduce} attribute
This attribute part of the Ada 202x language definition is provided for
now under -gnatX to confirm and potentially refine its usage and syntax.
@item
@code{[]} aggregates
This new aggregate syntax for arrays and containers is provided under -gnatX
to experiment and confirm this new language syntax.
@item
Additional @code{when} constructs
In addition to the @code{exit when CONDITION} control structure, several
additional constructs are allowed following this format. Including
@code{return when CONDITION}, @code{goto when CONDITION}, and
@code{raise [with EXCEPTION_MESSAGE] when CONDITION.}
Some examples:
@example
return Result when Variable > 10;
raise Program_Error with "Element is null" when Element = null;
goto End_Of_Subprogram when Variable = -1;
@end example
@item
Casing on composite values (aka pattern matching)
The selector for a case statement may be of a composite type, subject to
some restrictions (described below). Aggregate syntax is used for choices
of such a case statement; however, in cases where a “normal” aggregate would
require a discrete value, a discrete subtype may be used instead; box
notation can also be used to match all values.
Consider this example:
@example
type Rec is record
F1, F2 : Integer;
end record;
procedure Caser_1 (X : Rec) is
begin
case X is
when (F1 => Positive, F2 => Positive) =>
Do_This;
when (F1 => Natural, F2 => <>) | (F1 => <>, F2 => Natural) =>
Do_That;
when others =>
Do_The_Other_Thing;
end case;
end Caser_1;
@end example
If Caser_1 is called and both components of X are positive, then
Do_This will be called; otherwise, if either component is nonnegative
then Do_That will be called; otherwise, Do_The_Other_Thing will be called.
If the set of values that match the choice(s) of an earlier alternative
overlaps the corresponding set of a later alternative, then the first
set shall be a proper subset of the second (and the later alternative
will not be executed if the earlier alternative “matches”). All possible
values of the composite type shall be covered. The composite type of the
selector shall be an array or record type that is neither limited
class-wide.
If a subcomponent’s subtype does not meet certain restrictions, then
the only value that can be specified for that subcomponent in a case
choice expression is a “box” component association (which matches all
possible values for the subcomponent). This restriction applies if
@itemize -
@item
the component subtype is not a record, array, or discrete type; or
@item
the component subtype is subject to a non-static constraint or
has a predicate; or
@item
the component type is an enumeration type that is subject to an
enumeration representation clause; or
@item
the component type is a multidimensional array type or an
array type with a nonstatic index subtype.
@end itemize
Support for casing on arrays (and on records that contain arrays) is
currently subject to some restrictions. Non-positional
array aggregates are not supported as (or within) case choices. Likewise
for array type and subtype names. The current implementation exceeds
compile-time capacity limits in some annoyingly common scenarios; the
message generated in such cases is usually “Capacity exceeded in compiling
case statement with composite selector type”.
In addition, pattern bindings are supported. This is a mechanism
for binding a name to a component of a matching value for use within
an alternative of a case statement. For a component association
that occurs within a case choice, the expression may be followed by
“is <identifier>”. In the special case of a “box” component association,
the identifier may instead be provided within the box. Either of these
indicates that the given identifer denotes (a constant view of) the matching
subcomponent of the case selector. Binding is not yet supported for arrays
or subcomponents thereof.
Consider this example (which uses type Rec from the previous example):
@example
procedure Caser_2 (X : Rec) is
begin
case X is
when (F1 => Positive is Abc, F2 => Positive) =>
Do_This (Abc)
when (F1 => Natural is N1, F2 => <N2>) |
(F1 => <N2>, F2 => Natural is N1) =>
Do_That (Param_1 => N1, Param_2 => N2);
when others =>
Do_The_Other_Thing;
end case;
end Caser_2;
@end example
This example is the same as the previous one with respect to
determining whether Do_This, Do_That, or Do_The_Other_Thing will
be called. But for this version, Do_This takes a parameter and Do_That
takes two parameters. If Do_This is called, the actual parameter in the
call will be X.F1.
If Do_That is called, the situation is more complex because there are two
choices for that alternative. If Do_That is called because the first choice
matched (i.e., because X.F1 is nonnegative and either X.F1 or X.F2 is zero
or negative), then the actual parameters of the call will be (in order)
X.F1 and X.F2. If Do_That is called because the second choice matched (and
the first one did not), then the actual parameters will be reversed.
Within the choice list for single alternative, each choice must
define the same set of bindings and the component subtypes for
for a given identifer must all statically match. Currently, the case
of a binding for a nondiscrete component is not implemented.
@item
Fixed lower bounds for array types and subtypes
Unconstrained array types and subtypes can be specified with a lower bound
that is fixed to a certain value, by writing an index range that uses the
syntax “<lower-bound-expression> .. <>”. This guarantees that all objects
of the type or subtype will have the specified lower bound.
For example, a matrix type with fixed lower bounds of zero for each
dimension can be declared by the following:
@example
type Matrix is
array (Natural range 0 .. <>, Natural range 0 .. <>) of Integer;
@end example
Objects of type Matrix declared with an index constraint must have index
ranges starting at zero:
@example
M1 : Matrix (0 .. 9, 0 .. 19);
M2 : Matrix (2 .. 11, 3 .. 22); -- Warning about bounds; will raise CE
@end example
Similarly, a subtype of String can be declared that specifies the lower
bound of objects of that subtype to be 1:
@quotation
@example
subtype String_1 is String (1 .. <>);
@end example
@end quotation
If a string slice is passed to a formal of subtype String_1 in a call to
a subprogram S, the slice’s bounds will “slide” so that the lower bound
is 1. Within S, the lower bound of the formal is known to be 1, so, unlike
a normal unconstrained String formal, there is no need to worry about
accounting for other possible lower-bound values. Sliding of bounds also
occurs in other contexts, such as for object declarations with an
unconstrained subtype with fixed lower bound, as well as in subtype
conversions.
Use of this feature increases safety by simplifying code, and can also
improve the efficiency of indexing operations, since the compiler statically
knows the lower bound of unconstrained array formals when the formal’s
subtype has index ranges with static fixed lower bounds.
@item
Prefixed-view notation for calls to primitive subprograms of untagged types
Since Ada 2005, calls to primitive subprograms of a tagged type that
have a “prefixed view” (see RM 4.1.3(9.2)) have been allowed to be
written using the form of a selected_component, with the first actual
parameter given as the prefix and the name of the subprogram as a
selector. This prefixed-view notation for calls is extended so as to
also allow such syntax for calls to primitive subprograms of untagged
types. The primitives of an untagged type T that have a prefixed view
are those where the first formal parameter of the subprogram either
is of type T or is an anonymous access parameter whose designated type
is T. For a type that has a component that happens to have the same
simple name as one of the type’s primitive subprograms, where the
component is visible at the point of a selected_component using that
name, preference is given to the component in a selected_component
(as is currently the case for tagged types with such component names).
@item
Expression defaults for generic formal functions
The declaration of a generic formal function is allowed to specify
an expression as a default, using the syntax of an expression function.
Here is an example of this feature:
@example
generic
type T is private;
with function Copy (Item : T) return T is (Item); -- Defaults to Item
package Stacks is
type Stack is limited private;
procedure Push (S : in out Stack; X : T); -- Calls Copy on X
function Pop (S : in out Stack) return T; -- Calls Copy to return item
private
-- ...
end Stacks;
@end example
@end itemize
@node Pragma Extensions_Visible,Pragma External,Pragma Extensions_Allowed,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id12}@anchor{64}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-extensions-visible}@anchor{65}
@section Pragma Extensions_Visible
Syntax:
@example
pragma Extensions_Visible [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Extensions_Visible}
in the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 6.1.7.
@node Pragma External,Pragma External_Name_Casing,Pragma Extensions_Visible,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-external}@anchor{66}
@section Pragma External
Syntax:
@example
pragma External (
[ Convention =>] convention_IDENTIFIER,
[ Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External_Name =>] static_string_EXPRESSION ]
[, [Link_Name =>] static_string_EXPRESSION ]);
@end example
This pragma is identical in syntax and semantics to pragma
@code{Export} as defined in the Ada Reference Manual. It is
provided for compatibility with some Ada 83 compilers that
used this pragma for exactly the same purposes as pragma
@code{Export} before the latter was standardized.
@node Pragma External_Name_Casing,Pragma Fast_Math,Pragma External,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-external-name-casing}@anchor{67}
@section Pragma External_Name_Casing
@geindex Dec Ada 83 casing compatibility
@geindex External Names
@geindex casing
@geindex Casing of External names
Syntax:
@example
pragma External_Name_Casing (
Uppercase | Lowercase
[, Uppercase | Lowercase | As_Is]);
@end example
This pragma provides control over the casing of external names associated
with Import and Export pragmas. There are two cases to consider:
@itemize *
@item
Implicit external names
Implicit external names are derived from identifiers. The most common case
arises when a standard Ada Import or Export pragma is used with only two
arguments, as in:
@example
pragma Import (C, C_Routine);
@end example
Since Ada is a case-insensitive language, the spelling of the identifier in
the Ada source program does not provide any information on the desired
casing of the external name, and so a convention is needed. In GNAT the
default treatment is that such names are converted to all lower case
letters. This corresponds to the normal C style in many environments.
The first argument of pragma @code{External_Name_Casing} can be used to
control this treatment. If @code{Uppercase} is specified, then the name
will be forced to all uppercase letters. If @code{Lowercase} is specified,
then the normal default of all lower case letters will be used.
This same implicit treatment is also used in the case of extended DEC Ada 83
compatible Import and Export pragmas where an external name is explicitly
specified using an identifier rather than a string.
@item
Explicit external names
Explicit external names are given as string literals. The most common case
arises when a standard Ada Import or Export pragma is used with three
arguments, as in:
@example
pragma Import (C, C_Routine, "C_routine");
@end example
In this case, the string literal normally provides the exact casing required
for the external name. The second argument of pragma
@code{External_Name_Casing} may be used to modify this behavior.
If @code{Uppercase} is specified, then the name
will be forced to all uppercase letters. If @code{Lowercase} is specified,
then the name will be forced to all lowercase letters. A specification of
@code{As_Is} provides the normal default behavior in which the casing is
taken from the string provided.
@end itemize
This pragma may appear anywhere that a pragma is valid. In particular, it
can be used as a configuration pragma in the @code{gnat.adc} file, in which
case it applies to all subsequent compilations, or it can be used as a program
unit pragma, in which case it only applies to the current unit, or it can
be used more locally to control individual Import/Export pragmas.
It was primarily intended for use with OpenVMS systems, where many
compilers convert all symbols to upper case by default. For interfacing to
such compilers (e.g., the DEC C compiler), it may be convenient to use
the pragma:
@example
pragma External_Name_Casing (Uppercase, Uppercase);
@end example
to enforce the upper casing of all external symbols.
@node Pragma Fast_Math,Pragma Favor_Top_Level,Pragma External_Name_Casing,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-fast-math}@anchor{68}
@section Pragma Fast_Math
Syntax:
@example
pragma Fast_Math;
@end example
This is a configuration pragma which activates a mode in which speed is
considered more important for floating-point operations than absolutely
accurate adherence to the requirements of the standard. Currently the
following operations are affected:
@table @asis
@item @emph{Complex Multiplication}
The normal simple formula for complex multiplication can result in intermediate
overflows for numbers near the end of the range. The Ada standard requires that
this situation be detected and corrected by scaling, but in Fast_Math mode such
cases will simply result in overflow. Note that to take advantage of this you
must instantiate your own version of @code{Ada.Numerics.Generic_Complex_Types}
under control of the pragma, rather than use the preinstantiated versions.
@end table
@node Pragma Favor_Top_Level,Pragma Finalize_Storage_Only,Pragma Fast_Math,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id13}@anchor{69}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-favor-top-level}@anchor{6a}
@section Pragma Favor_Top_Level
Syntax:
@example
pragma Favor_Top_Level (type_NAME);
@end example
The argument of pragma @code{Favor_Top_Level} must be a named access-to-subprogram
type. This pragma is an efficiency hint to the compiler, regarding the use of
@code{'Access} or @code{'Unrestricted_Access} on nested (non-library-level) subprograms.
The pragma means that nested subprograms are not used with this type, or are
rare, so that the generated code should be efficient in the top-level case.
When this pragma is used, dynamically generated trampolines may be used on some
targets for nested subprograms. See restriction @code{No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code}.
@node Pragma Finalize_Storage_Only,Pragma Float_Representation,Pragma Favor_Top_Level,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-finalize-storage-only}@anchor{6b}
@section Pragma Finalize_Storage_Only
Syntax:
@example
pragma Finalize_Storage_Only (first_subtype_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
The argument of pragma @code{Finalize_Storage_Only} must denote a local type which
is derived from @code{Ada.Finalization.Controlled} or @code{Limited_Controlled}. The
pragma suppresses the call to @code{Finalize} for declared library-level objects
of the argument type. This is mostly useful for types where finalization is
only used to deal with storage reclamation since in most environments it is
not necessary to reclaim memory just before terminating execution, hence the
name. Note that this pragma does not suppress Finalize calls for library-level
heap-allocated objects (see pragma @code{No_Heap_Finalization}).
@node Pragma Float_Representation,Pragma Ghost,Pragma Finalize_Storage_Only,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-float-representation}@anchor{6c}
@section Pragma Float_Representation
Syntax:
@example
pragma Float_Representation (FLOAT_REP[, float_type_LOCAL_NAME]);
FLOAT_REP ::= VAX_Float | IEEE_Float
@end example
In the one argument form, this pragma is a configuration pragma which
allows control over the internal representation chosen for the predefined
floating point types declared in the packages @code{Standard} and
@code{System}. This pragma is only provided for compatibility and has no effect.
The two argument form specifies the representation to be used for
the specified floating-point type. The argument must
be @code{IEEE_Float} to specify the use of IEEE format, as follows:
@itemize *
@item
For a digits value of 6, 32-bit IEEE short format will be used.
@item
For a digits value of 15, 64-bit IEEE long format will be used.
@item
No other value of digits is permitted.
@end itemize
@node Pragma Ghost,Pragma Global,Pragma Float_Representation,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id14}@anchor{6d}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ghost}@anchor{6e}
@section Pragma Ghost
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ghost [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Ghost} in the SPARK
2014 Reference Manual, section 6.9.
@node Pragma Global,Pragma Ident,Pragma Ghost,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id15}@anchor{6f}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-global}@anchor{70}
@section Pragma Global
Syntax:
@example
pragma Global (GLOBAL_SPECIFICATION);
GLOBAL_SPECIFICATION ::=
null
| (GLOBAL_LIST)
| (MODED_GLOBAL_LIST @{, MODED_GLOBAL_LIST@})
MODED_GLOBAL_LIST ::= MODE_SELECTOR => GLOBAL_LIST
MODE_SELECTOR ::= In_Out | Input | Output | Proof_In
GLOBAL_LIST ::= GLOBAL_ITEM | (GLOBAL_ITEM @{, GLOBAL_ITEM@})
GLOBAL_ITEM ::= NAME
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Global} in the
SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 6.1.4.
@node Pragma Ident,Pragma Ignore_Pragma,Pragma Global,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ident}@anchor{71}
@section Pragma Ident
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ident (static_string_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma is identical in effect to pragma @code{Comment}. It is provided
for compatibility with other Ada compilers providing this pragma.
@node Pragma Ignore_Pragma,Pragma Implementation_Defined,Pragma Ident,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ignore-pragma}@anchor{72}
@section Pragma Ignore_Pragma
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ignore_Pragma (pragma_IDENTIFIER);
@end example
This is a configuration pragma
that takes a single argument that is a simple identifier. Any subsequent
use of a pragma whose pragma identifier matches this argument will be
silently ignored. This may be useful when legacy code or code intended
for compilation with some other compiler contains pragmas that match the
name, but not the exact implementation, of a GNAT pragma. The use of this
pragma allows such pragmas to be ignored, which may be useful in CodePeer
mode, or during porting of legacy code.
@node Pragma Implementation_Defined,Pragma Implemented,Pragma Ignore_Pragma,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-implementation-defined}@anchor{73}
@section Pragma Implementation_Defined
Syntax:
@example
pragma Implementation_Defined (local_NAME);
@end example
This pragma marks a previously declared entity as implementation-defined.
For an overloaded entity, applies to the most recent homonym.
@example
pragma Implementation_Defined;
@end example
The form with no arguments appears anywhere within a scope, most
typically a package spec, and indicates that all entities that are
defined within the package spec are Implementation_Defined.
This pragma is used within the GNAT runtime library to identify
implementation-defined entities introduced in language-defined units,
for the purpose of implementing the No_Implementation_Identifiers
restriction.
@node Pragma Implemented,Pragma Implicit_Packing,Pragma Implementation_Defined,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-implemented}@anchor{74}
@section Pragma Implemented
Syntax:
@example
pragma Implemented (procedure_LOCAL_NAME, implementation_kind);
implementation_kind ::= By_Entry | By_Protected_Procedure | By_Any
@end example
This is an Ada 2012 representation pragma which applies to protected, task
and synchronized interface primitives. The use of pragma Implemented provides
a way to impose a static requirement on the overriding operation by adhering
to one of the three implementation kinds: entry, protected procedure or any of
the above. This pragma is available in all earlier versions of Ada as an
implementation-defined pragma.
@example
type Synch_Iface is synchronized interface;
procedure Prim_Op (Obj : in out Iface) is abstract;
pragma Implemented (Prim_Op, By_Protected_Procedure);
protected type Prot_1 is new Synch_Iface with
procedure Prim_Op; -- Legal
end Prot_1;
protected type Prot_2 is new Synch_Iface with
entry Prim_Op; -- Illegal
end Prot_2;
task type Task_Typ is new Synch_Iface with
entry Prim_Op; -- Illegal
end Task_Typ;
@end example
When applied to the procedure_or_entry_NAME of a requeue statement, pragma
Implemented determines the runtime behavior of the requeue. Implementation kind
By_Entry guarantees that the action of requeueing will proceed from an entry to
another entry. Implementation kind By_Protected_Procedure transforms the
requeue into a dispatching call, thus eliminating the chance of blocking. Kind
By_Any shares the behavior of By_Entry and By_Protected_Procedure depending on
the target’s overriding subprogram kind.
@node Pragma Implicit_Packing,Pragma Import_Function,Pragma Implemented,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-implicit-packing}@anchor{75}
@section Pragma Implicit_Packing
@geindex Rational Profile
Syntax:
@example
pragma Implicit_Packing;
@end example
This is a configuration pragma that requests implicit packing for packed
arrays for which a size clause is given but no explicit pragma Pack or
specification of Component_Size is present. It also applies to records
where no record representation clause is present. Consider this example:
@example
type R is array (0 .. 7) of Boolean;
for R'Size use 8;
@end example
In accordance with the recommendation in the RM (RM 13.3(53)), a Size clause
does not change the layout of a composite object. So the Size clause in the
above example is normally rejected, since the default layout of the array uses
8-bit components, and thus the array requires a minimum of 64 bits.
If this declaration is compiled in a region of code covered by an occurrence
of the configuration pragma Implicit_Packing, then the Size clause in this
and similar examples will cause implicit packing and thus be accepted. For
this implicit packing to occur, the type in question must be an array of small
components whose size is known at compile time, and the Size clause must
specify the exact size that corresponds to the number of elements in the array
multiplied by the size in bits of the component type (both single and
multi-dimensioned arrays can be controlled with this pragma).
@geindex Array packing
Similarly, the following example shows the use in the record case
@example
type r is record
a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h : boolean;
chr : character;
end record;
for r'size use 16;
@end example
Without a pragma Pack, each Boolean field requires 8 bits, so the
minimum size is 72 bits, but with a pragma Pack, 16 bits would be
sufficient. The use of pragma Implicit_Packing allows this record
declaration to compile without an explicit pragma Pack.
@node Pragma Import_Function,Pragma Import_Object,Pragma Implicit_Packing,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-import-function}@anchor{76}
@section Pragma Import_Function
Syntax:
@example
pragma Import_Function (
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME,
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Parameter_Types =>] PARAMETER_TYPES]
[, [Result_Type =>] SUBTYPE_MARK]
[, [Mechanism =>] MECHANISM]
[, [Result_Mechanism =>] MECHANISM_NAME]);
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
PARAMETER_TYPES ::=
null
| TYPE_DESIGNATOR @{, TYPE_DESIGNATOR@}
TYPE_DESIGNATOR ::=
subtype_NAME
| subtype_Name ' Access
MECHANISM ::=
MECHANISM_NAME
| (MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION @{, MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION@})
MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION ::=
[formal_parameter_NAME =>] MECHANISM_NAME
MECHANISM_NAME ::=
Value
| Reference
@end example
This pragma is used in conjunction with a pragma @code{Import} to
specify additional information for an imported function. The pragma
@code{Import} (or equivalent pragma @code{Interface}) must precede the
@code{Import_Function} pragma and both must appear in the same
declarative part as the function specification.
The @code{Internal} argument must uniquely designate
the function to which the
pragma applies. If more than one function name exists of this name in
the declarative part you must use the @code{Parameter_Types} and
@code{Result_Type} parameters to achieve the required unique
designation. Subtype marks in these parameters must exactly match the
subtypes in the corresponding function specification, using positional
notation to match parameters with subtype marks.
The form with an @code{'Access} attribute can be used to match an
anonymous access parameter.
You may optionally use the @code{Mechanism} and @code{Result_Mechanism}
parameters to specify passing mechanisms for the
parameters and result. If you specify a single mechanism name, it
applies to all parameters. Otherwise you may specify a mechanism on a
parameter by parameter basis using either positional or named
notation. If the mechanism is not specified, the default mechanism
is used.
@node Pragma Import_Object,Pragma Import_Procedure,Pragma Import_Function,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-import-object}@anchor{77}
@section Pragma Import_Object
Syntax:
@example
pragma Import_Object
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Size =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]);
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
@end example
This pragma designates an object as imported, and apart from the
extended rules for external symbols, is identical in effect to the use of
the normal @code{Import} pragma applied to an object. Unlike the
subprogram case, you need not use a separate @code{Import} pragma,
although you may do so (and probably should do so from a portability
point of view). @code{size} is syntax checked, but otherwise ignored by
GNAT.
@node Pragma Import_Procedure,Pragma Import_Valued_Procedure,Pragma Import_Object,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-import-procedure}@anchor{78}
@section Pragma Import_Procedure
Syntax:
@example
pragma Import_Procedure (
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Parameter_Types =>] PARAMETER_TYPES]
[, [Mechanism =>] MECHANISM]);
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
PARAMETER_TYPES ::=
null
| TYPE_DESIGNATOR @{, TYPE_DESIGNATOR@}
TYPE_DESIGNATOR ::=
subtype_NAME
| subtype_Name ' Access
MECHANISM ::=
MECHANISM_NAME
| (MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION @{, MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION@})
MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION ::=
[formal_parameter_NAME =>] MECHANISM_NAME
MECHANISM_NAME ::= Value | Reference
@end example
This pragma is identical to @code{Import_Function} except that it
applies to a procedure rather than a function and the parameters
@code{Result_Type} and @code{Result_Mechanism} are not permitted.
@node Pragma Import_Valued_Procedure,Pragma Independent,Pragma Import_Procedure,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-import-valued-procedure}@anchor{79}
@section Pragma Import_Valued_Procedure
Syntax:
@example
pragma Import_Valued_Procedure (
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Parameter_Types =>] PARAMETER_TYPES]
[, [Mechanism =>] MECHANISM]);
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
PARAMETER_TYPES ::=
null
| TYPE_DESIGNATOR @{, TYPE_DESIGNATOR@}
TYPE_DESIGNATOR ::=
subtype_NAME
| subtype_Name ' Access
MECHANISM ::=
MECHANISM_NAME
| (MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION @{, MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION@})
MECHANISM_ASSOCIATION ::=
[formal_parameter_NAME =>] MECHANISM_NAME
MECHANISM_NAME ::= Value | Reference
@end example
This pragma is identical to @code{Import_Procedure} except that the
first parameter of @code{LOCAL_NAME}, which must be present, must be of
mode @code{out}, and externally the subprogram is treated as a function
with this parameter as the result of the function. The purpose of this
capability is to allow the use of @code{out} and @code{in out}
parameters in interfacing to external functions (which are not permitted
in Ada functions). You may optionally use the @code{Mechanism}
parameters to specify passing mechanisms for the parameters.
If you specify a single mechanism name, it applies to all parameters.
Otherwise you may specify a mechanism on a parameter by parameter
basis using either positional or named notation. If the mechanism is not
specified, the default mechanism is used.
Note that it is important to use this pragma in conjunction with a separate
pragma Import that specifies the desired convention, since otherwise the
default convention is Ada, which is almost certainly not what is required.
@node Pragma Independent,Pragma Independent_Components,Pragma Import_Valued_Procedure,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-independent}@anchor{7a}
@section Pragma Independent
Syntax:
@example
pragma Independent (Local_NAME);
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2012 mode (which also provides an aspect
of the same name). It is also available as an implementation-defined
pragma in all earlier versions. It specifies that the
designated object or all objects of the designated type must be
independently addressable. This means that separate tasks can safely
manipulate such objects. For example, if two components of a record are
independent, then two separate tasks may access these two components.
This may place
constraints on the representation of the object (for instance prohibiting
tight packing).
@node Pragma Independent_Components,Pragma Initial_Condition,Pragma Independent,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-independent-components}@anchor{7b}
@section Pragma Independent_Components
Syntax:
@example
pragma Independent_Components (Local_NAME);
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2012 mode (which also provides an aspect
of the same name). It is also available as an implementation-defined
pragma in all earlier versions. It specifies that the components of the
designated object, or the components of each object of the designated
type, must be
independently addressable. This means that separate tasks can safely
manipulate separate components in the composite object. This may place
constraints on the representation of the object (for instance prohibiting
tight packing).
@node Pragma Initial_Condition,Pragma Initialize_Scalars,Pragma Independent_Components,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id16}@anchor{7c}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-initial-condition}@anchor{7d}
@section Pragma Initial_Condition
Syntax:
@example
pragma Initial_Condition (boolean_EXPRESSION);
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Initial_Condition}
in the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.6.
@node Pragma Initialize_Scalars,Pragma Initializes,Pragma Initial_Condition,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-initialize-scalars}@anchor{7e}
@section Pragma Initialize_Scalars
@geindex debugging with Initialize_Scalars
Syntax:
@example
pragma Initialize_Scalars
[ ( TYPE_VALUE_PAIR @{, TYPE_VALUE_PAIR@} ) ];
TYPE_VALUE_PAIR ::=
SCALAR_TYPE => static_EXPRESSION
SCALAR_TYPE :=
Short_Float
| Float
| Long_Float
| Long_Long_Flat
| Signed_8
| Signed_16
| Signed_32
| Signed_64
| Unsigned_8
| Unsigned_16
| Unsigned_32
| Unsigned_64
@end example
This pragma is similar to @code{Normalize_Scalars} conceptually but has two
important differences.
First, there is no requirement for the pragma to be used uniformly in all units
of a partition. In particular, it is fine to use this just for some or all of
the application units of a partition, without needing to recompile the run-time
library. In the case where some units are compiled with the pragma, and some
without, then a declaration of a variable where the type is defined in package
Standard or is locally declared will always be subject to initialization, as
will any declaration of a scalar variable. For composite variables, whether the
variable is initialized may also depend on whether the package in which the
type of the variable is declared is compiled with the pragma.
The other important difference is that the programmer can control the value
used for initializing scalar objects. This effect can be achieved in several
different ways:
@itemize *
@item
At compile time, the programmer can specify the invalid value for a
particular family of scalar types using the optional arguments of the pragma.
The compile-time approach is intended to optimize the generated code for the
pragma, by possibly using fast operations such as @code{memset}. Note that such
optimizations require using values where the bytes all have the same binary
representation.
@item
At bind time, the programmer has several options:
@itemize *
@item
Initialization with invalid values (similar to Normalize_Scalars, though
for Initialize_Scalars it is not always possible to determine the invalid
values in complex cases like signed component fields with nonstandard
sizes).
@item
Initialization with high values.
@item
Initialization with low values.
@item
Initialization with a specific bit pattern.
@end itemize
See the GNAT User’s Guide for binder options for specifying these cases.
The bind-time approach is intended to provide fast turnaround for testing
with different values, without having to recompile the program.
@item
At execution time, the programmer can specify the invalid values using an
environment variable. See the GNAT User’s Guide for details.
The execution-time approach is intended to provide fast turnaround for
testing with different values, without having to recompile and rebind the
program.
@end itemize
Note that pragma @code{Initialize_Scalars} is particularly useful in conjunction
with the enhanced validity checking that is now provided in GNAT, which checks
for invalid values under more conditions. Using this feature (see description
of the @emph{-gnatV} flag in the GNAT User’s Guide) in conjunction with pragma
@code{Initialize_Scalars} provides a powerful new tool to assist in the detection
of problems caused by uninitialized variables.
Note: the use of @code{Initialize_Scalars} has a fairly extensive effect on the
generated code. This may cause your code to be substantially larger. It may
also cause an increase in the amount of stack required, so it is probably a
good idea to turn on stack checking (see description of stack checking in the
GNAT User’s Guide) when using this pragma.
@node Pragma Initializes,Pragma Inline_Always,Pragma Initialize_Scalars,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id17}@anchor{7f}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-initializes}@anchor{80}
@section Pragma Initializes
Syntax:
@example
pragma Initializes (INITIALIZATION_LIST);
INITIALIZATION_LIST ::=
null
| (INITIALIZATION_ITEM @{, INITIALIZATION_ITEM@})
INITIALIZATION_ITEM ::= name [=> INPUT_LIST]
INPUT_LIST ::=
null
| INPUT
| (INPUT @{, INPUT@})
INPUT ::= name
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Initializes} in the
SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.5.
@node Pragma Inline_Always,Pragma Inline_Generic,Pragma Initializes,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id18}@anchor{81}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-inline-always}@anchor{82}
@section Pragma Inline_Always
Syntax:
@example
pragma Inline_Always (NAME [, NAME]);
@end example
Similar to pragma @code{Inline} except that inlining is unconditional.
Inline_Always instructs the compiler to inline every direct call to the
subprogram or else to emit a compilation error, independently of any
option, in particular @emph{-gnatn} or @emph{-gnatN} or the optimization level.
It is an error to take the address or access of @code{NAME}. It is also an error to
apply this pragma to a primitive operation of a tagged type. Thanks to such
restrictions, the compiler is allowed to remove the out-of-line body of @code{NAME}.
@node Pragma Inline_Generic,Pragma Interface,Pragma Inline_Always,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-inline-generic}@anchor{83}
@section Pragma Inline_Generic
Syntax:
@example
pragma Inline_Generic (GNAME @{, GNAME@});
GNAME ::= generic_unit_NAME | generic_instance_NAME
@end example
This pragma is provided for compatibility with Dec Ada 83. It has
no effect in GNAT (which always inlines generics), other
than to check that the given names are all names of generic units or
generic instances.
@node Pragma Interface,Pragma Interface_Name,Pragma Inline_Generic,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-interface}@anchor{84}
@section Pragma Interface
Syntax:
@example
pragma Interface (
[Convention =>] convention_identifier,
[Entity =>] local_NAME
[, [External_Name =>] static_string_expression]
[, [Link_Name =>] static_string_expression]);
@end example
This pragma is identical in syntax and semantics to
the standard Ada pragma @code{Import}. It is provided for compatibility
with Ada 83. The definition is upwards compatible both with pragma
@code{Interface} as defined in the Ada 83 Reference Manual, and also
with some extended implementations of this pragma in certain Ada 83
implementations. The only difference between pragma @code{Interface}
and pragma @code{Import} is that there is special circuitry to allow
both pragmas to appear for the same subprogram entity (normally it
is illegal to have multiple @code{Import} pragmas. This is useful in
maintaining Ada 83/Ada 95 compatibility and is compatible with other
Ada 83 compilers.
@node Pragma Interface_Name,Pragma Interrupt_Handler,Pragma Interface,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-interface-name}@anchor{85}
@section Pragma Interface_Name
Syntax:
@example
pragma Interface_Name (
[Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME
[, [External_Name =>] static_string_EXPRESSION]
[, [Link_Name =>] static_string_EXPRESSION]);
@end example
This pragma provides an alternative way of specifying the interface name
for an interfaced subprogram, and is provided for compatibility with Ada
83 compilers that use the pragma for this purpose. You must provide at
least one of @code{External_Name} or @code{Link_Name}.
@node Pragma Interrupt_Handler,Pragma Interrupt_State,Pragma Interface_Name,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-interrupt-handler}@anchor{86}
@section Pragma Interrupt_Handler
Syntax:
@example
pragma Interrupt_Handler (procedure_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This program unit pragma is supported for parameterless protected procedures
as described in Annex C of the Ada Reference Manual.
@node Pragma Interrupt_State,Pragma Invariant,Pragma Interrupt_Handler,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-interrupt-state}@anchor{87}
@section Pragma Interrupt_State
Syntax:
@example
pragma Interrupt_State
([Name =>] value,
[State =>] SYSTEM | RUNTIME | USER);
@end example
Normally certain interrupts are reserved to the implementation. Any attempt
to attach an interrupt causes Program_Error to be raised, as described in
RM C.3.2(22). A typical example is the @code{SIGINT} interrupt used in
many systems for an @code{Ctrl-C} interrupt. Normally this interrupt is
reserved to the implementation, so that @code{Ctrl-C} can be used to
interrupt execution. Additionally, signals such as @code{SIGSEGV},
@code{SIGABRT}, @code{SIGFPE} and @code{SIGILL} are often mapped to specific
Ada exceptions, or used to implement run-time functions such as the
@code{abort} statement and stack overflow checking.
Pragma @code{Interrupt_State} provides a general mechanism for overriding
such uses of interrupts. It subsumes the functionality of pragma
@code{Unreserve_All_Interrupts}. Pragma @code{Interrupt_State} is not
available on Windows. On all other platforms than VxWorks,
it applies to signals; on VxWorks, it applies to vectored hardware interrupts
and may be used to mark interrupts required by the board support package
as reserved.
Interrupts can be in one of three states:
@itemize *
@item
System
The interrupt is reserved (no Ada handler can be installed), and the
Ada run-time may not install a handler. As a result you are guaranteed
standard system default action if this interrupt is raised. This also allows
installing a low level handler via C APIs such as sigaction(), outside
of Ada control.
@item
Runtime
The interrupt is reserved (no Ada handler can be installed). The run time
is allowed to install a handler for internal control purposes, but is
not required to do so.
@item
User
The interrupt is unreserved. The user may install an Ada handler via
Ada.Interrupts and pragma Interrupt_Handler or Attach_Handler to provide
some other action.
@end itemize
These states are the allowed values of the @code{State} parameter of the
pragma. The @code{Name} parameter is a value of the type
@code{Ada.Interrupts.Interrupt_ID}. Typically, it is a name declared in
@code{Ada.Interrupts.Names}.
This is a configuration pragma, and the binder will check that there
are no inconsistencies between different units in a partition in how a
given interrupt is specified. It may appear anywhere a pragma is legal.
The effect is to move the interrupt to the specified state.
By declaring interrupts to be SYSTEM, you guarantee the standard system
action, such as a core dump.
By declaring interrupts to be USER, you guarantee that you can install
a handler.
Note that certain signals on many operating systems cannot be caught and
handled by applications. In such cases, the pragma is ignored. See the
operating system documentation, or the value of the array @code{Reserved}
declared in the spec of package @code{System.OS_Interface}.
Overriding the default state of signals used by the Ada runtime may interfere
with an application’s runtime behavior in the cases of the synchronous signals,
and in the case of the signal used to implement the @code{abort} statement.
@node Pragma Invariant,Pragma Keep_Names,Pragma Interrupt_State,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id19}@anchor{88}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-invariant}@anchor{89}
@section Pragma Invariant
Syntax:
@example
pragma Invariant
([Entity =>] private_type_LOCAL_NAME,
[Check =>] EXPRESSION
[,[Message =>] String_Expression]);
@end example
This pragma provides exactly the same capabilities as the Type_Invariant aspect
defined in AI05-0146-1, and in the Ada 2012 Reference Manual. The
Type_Invariant aspect is fully implemented in Ada 2012 mode, but since it
requires the use of the aspect syntax, which is not available except in 2012
mode, it is not possible to use the Type_Invariant aspect in earlier versions
of Ada. However the Invariant pragma may be used in any version of Ada. Also
note that the aspect Invariant is a synonym in GNAT for the aspect
Type_Invariant, but there is no pragma Type_Invariant.
The pragma must appear within the visible part of the package specification,
after the type to which its Entity argument appears. As with the Invariant
aspect, the Check expression is not analyzed until the end of the visible
part of the package, so it may contain forward references. The Message
argument, if present, provides the exception message used if the invariant
is violated. If no Message parameter is provided, a default message that
identifies the line on which the pragma appears is used.
It is permissible to have multiple Invariants for the same type entity, in
which case they are and’ed together. It is permissible to use this pragma
in Ada 2012 mode, but you cannot have both an invariant aspect and an
invariant pragma for the same entity.
For further details on the use of this pragma, see the Ada 2012 documentation
of the Type_Invariant aspect.
@node Pragma Keep_Names,Pragma License,Pragma Invariant,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-keep-names}@anchor{8a}
@section Pragma Keep_Names
Syntax:
@example
pragma Keep_Names ([On =>] enumeration_first_subtype_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
The @code{LOCAL_NAME} argument
must refer to an enumeration first subtype
in the current declarative part. The effect is to retain the enumeration
literal names for use by @code{Image} and @code{Value} even if a global
@code{Discard_Names} pragma applies. This is useful when you want to
generally suppress enumeration literal names and for example you therefore
use a @code{Discard_Names} pragma in the @code{gnat.adc} file, but you
want to retain the names for specific enumeration types.
@node Pragma License,Pragma Link_With,Pragma Keep_Names,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-license}@anchor{8b}
@section Pragma License
@geindex License checking
Syntax:
@example
pragma License (Unrestricted | GPL | Modified_GPL | Restricted);
@end example
This pragma is provided to allow automated checking for appropriate license
conditions with respect to the standard and modified GPL. A pragma
@code{License}, which is a configuration pragma that typically appears at
the start of a source file or in a separate @code{gnat.adc} file, specifies
the licensing conditions of a unit as follows:
@itemize *
@item
Unrestricted
This is used for a unit that can be freely used with no license restrictions.
Examples of such units are public domain units, and units from the Ada
Reference Manual.
@item
GPL
This is used for a unit that is licensed under the unmodified GPL, and which
therefore cannot be @code{with}ed by a restricted unit.
@item
Modified_GPL
This is used for a unit licensed under the GNAT modified GPL that includes
a special exception paragraph that specifically permits the inclusion of
the unit in programs without requiring the entire program to be released
under the GPL.
@item
Restricted
This is used for a unit that is restricted in that it is not permitted to
depend on units that are licensed under the GPL. Typical examples are
proprietary code that is to be released under more restrictive license
conditions. Note that restricted units are permitted to @code{with} units
which are licensed under the modified GPL (this is the whole point of the
modified GPL).
@end itemize
Normally a unit with no @code{License} pragma is considered to have an
unknown license, and no checking is done. However, standard GNAT headers
are recognized, and license information is derived from them as follows.
A GNAT license header starts with a line containing 78 hyphens. The following
comment text is searched for the appearance of any of the following strings.
If the string ‘GNU General Public License’ is found, then the unit is assumed
to have GPL license, unless the string ‘As a special exception’ follows, in
which case the license is assumed to be modified GPL.
If one of the strings
‘This specification is adapted from the Ada Semantic Interface’ or
‘This specification is derived from the Ada Reference Manual’ is found
then the unit is assumed to be unrestricted.
These default actions means that a program with a restricted license pragma
will automatically get warnings if a GPL unit is inappropriately
@code{with}ed. For example, the program:
@example
with Sem_Ch3;
with GNAT.Sockets;
procedure Secret_Stuff is
...
end Secret_Stuff
@end example
if compiled with pragma @code{License} (@code{Restricted}) in a
@code{gnat.adc} file will generate the warning:
@example
1. with Sem_Ch3;
|
>>> license of withed unit "Sem_Ch3" is incompatible
2. with GNAT.Sockets;
3. procedure Secret_Stuff is
@end example
Here we get a warning on @code{Sem_Ch3} since it is part of the GNAT
compiler and is licensed under the
GPL, but no warning for @code{GNAT.Sockets} which is part of the GNAT
run time, and is therefore licensed under the modified GPL.
@node Pragma Link_With,Pragma Linker_Alias,Pragma License,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-link-with}@anchor{8c}
@section Pragma Link_With
Syntax:
@example
pragma Link_With (static_string_EXPRESSION @{,static_string_EXPRESSION@});
@end example
This pragma is provided for compatibility with certain Ada 83 compilers.
It has exactly the same effect as pragma @code{Linker_Options} except
that spaces occurring within one of the string expressions are treated
as separators. For example, in the following case:
@example
pragma Link_With ("-labc -ldef");
@end example
results in passing the strings @code{-labc} and @code{-ldef} as two
separate arguments to the linker. In addition pragma Link_With allows
multiple arguments, with the same effect as successive pragmas.
@node Pragma Linker_Alias,Pragma Linker_Constructor,Pragma Link_With,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-linker-alias}@anchor{8d}
@section Pragma Linker_Alias
Syntax:
@example
pragma Linker_Alias (
[Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME,
[Target =>] static_string_EXPRESSION);
@end example
@code{LOCAL_NAME} must refer to an object that is declared at the library
level. This pragma establishes the given entity as a linker alias for the
given target. It is equivalent to @code{__attribute__((alias))} in GNU C
and causes @code{LOCAL_NAME} to be emitted as an alias for the symbol
@code{static_string_EXPRESSION} in the object file, that is to say no space
is reserved for @code{LOCAL_NAME} by the assembler and it will be resolved
to the same address as @code{static_string_EXPRESSION} by the linker.
The actual linker name for the target must be used (e.g., the fully
encoded name with qualification in Ada, or the mangled name in C++),
or it must be declared using the C convention with @code{pragma Import}
or @code{pragma Export}.
Not all target machines support this pragma. On some of them it is accepted
only if @code{pragma Weak_External} has been applied to @code{LOCAL_NAME}.
@example
-- Example of the use of pragma Linker_Alias
package p is
i : Integer := 1;
pragma Export (C, i);
new_name_for_i : Integer;
pragma Linker_Alias (new_name_for_i, "i");
end p;
@end example
@node Pragma Linker_Constructor,Pragma Linker_Destructor,Pragma Linker_Alias,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-linker-constructor}@anchor{8e}
@section Pragma Linker_Constructor
Syntax:
@example
pragma Linker_Constructor (procedure_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
@code{procedure_LOCAL_NAME} must refer to a parameterless procedure that
is declared at the library level. A procedure to which this pragma is
applied will be treated as an initialization routine by the linker.
It is equivalent to @code{__attribute__((constructor))} in GNU C and
causes @code{procedure_LOCAL_NAME} to be invoked before the entry point
of the executable is called (or immediately after the shared library is
loaded if the procedure is linked in a shared library), in particular
before the Ada run-time environment is set up.
Because of these specific contexts, the set of operations such a procedure
can perform is very limited and the type of objects it can manipulate is
essentially restricted to the elementary types. In particular, it must only
contain code to which pragma Restrictions (No_Elaboration_Code) applies.
This pragma is used by GNAT to implement auto-initialization of shared Stand
Alone Libraries, which provides a related capability without the restrictions
listed above. Where possible, the use of Stand Alone Libraries is preferable
to the use of this pragma.
@node Pragma Linker_Destructor,Pragma Linker_Section,Pragma Linker_Constructor,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-linker-destructor}@anchor{8f}
@section Pragma Linker_Destructor
Syntax:
@example
pragma Linker_Destructor (procedure_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
@code{procedure_LOCAL_NAME} must refer to a parameterless procedure that
is declared at the library level. A procedure to which this pragma is
applied will be treated as a finalization routine by the linker.
It is equivalent to @code{__attribute__((destructor))} in GNU C and
causes @code{procedure_LOCAL_NAME} to be invoked after the entry point
of the executable has exited (or immediately before the shared library
is unloaded if the procedure is linked in a shared library), in particular
after the Ada run-time environment is shut down.
See @code{pragma Linker_Constructor} for the set of restrictions that apply
because of these specific contexts.
@node Pragma Linker_Section,Pragma Lock_Free,Pragma Linker_Destructor,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id20}@anchor{90}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-linker-section}@anchor{91}
@section Pragma Linker_Section
Syntax:
@example
pragma Linker_Section (
[Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME,
[Section =>] static_string_EXPRESSION);
@end example
@code{LOCAL_NAME} must refer to an object, type, or subprogram that is
declared at the library level. This pragma specifies the name of the
linker section for the given entity. It is equivalent to
@code{__attribute__((section))} in GNU C and causes @code{LOCAL_NAME} to
be placed in the @code{static_string_EXPRESSION} section of the
executable (assuming the linker doesn’t rename the section).
GNAT also provides an implementation defined aspect of the same name.
In the case of specifying this aspect for a type, the effect is to
specify the corresponding section for all library-level objects of
the type that do not have an explicit linker section set. Note that
this only applies to whole objects, not to components of composite objects.
In the case of a subprogram, the linker section applies to all previously
declared matching overloaded subprograms in the current declarative part
which do not already have a linker section assigned. The linker section
aspect is useful in this case for specifying different linker sections
for different elements of such an overloaded set.
Note that an empty string specifies that no linker section is specified.
This is not quite the same as omitting the pragma or aspect, since it
can be used to specify that one element of an overloaded set of subprograms
has the default linker section, or that one object of a type for which a
linker section is specified should has the default linker section.
The compiler normally places library-level entities in standard sections
depending on the class: procedures and functions generally go in the
@code{.text} section, initialized variables in the @code{.data} section
and uninitialized variables in the @code{.bss} section.
Other, special sections may exist on given target machines to map special
hardware, for example I/O ports or flash memory. This pragma is a means to
defer the final layout of the executable to the linker, thus fully working
at the symbolic level with the compiler.
Some file formats do not support arbitrary sections so not all target
machines support this pragma. The use of this pragma may cause a program
execution to be erroneous if it is used to place an entity into an
inappropriate section (e.g., a modified variable into the @code{.text}
section). See also @code{pragma Persistent_BSS}.
@example
-- Example of the use of pragma Linker_Section
package IO_Card is
Port_A : Integer;
pragma Volatile (Port_A);
pragma Linker_Section (Port_A, ".bss.port_a");
Port_B : Integer;
pragma Volatile (Port_B);
pragma Linker_Section (Port_B, ".bss.port_b");
type Port_Type is new Integer with Linker_Section => ".bss";
PA : Port_Type with Linker_Section => ".bss.PA";
PB : Port_Type; -- ends up in linker section ".bss"
procedure Q with Linker_Section => "Qsection";
end IO_Card;
@end example
@node Pragma Lock_Free,Pragma Loop_Invariant,Pragma Linker_Section,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id21}@anchor{92}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-lock-free}@anchor{93}
@section Pragma Lock_Free
Syntax:
This pragma may be specified for protected types or objects. It specifies that
the implementation of protected operations must be implemented without locks.
Compilation fails if the compiler cannot generate lock-free code for the
operations.
The current conditions required to support this pragma are:
@itemize *
@item
Protected type declarations may not contain entries
@item
Protected subprogram declarations may not have nonelementary parameters
@end itemize
In addition, each protected subprogram body must satisfy:
@itemize *
@item
May reference only one protected component
@item
May not reference nonconstant entities outside the protected subprogram
scope.
@item
May not contain address representation items, allocators, or quantified
expressions.
@item
May not contain delay, goto, loop, or procedure-call statements.
@item
May not contain exported and imported entities
@item
May not dereferenced access values
@item
Function calls and attribute references must be static
@end itemize
@node Pragma Loop_Invariant,Pragma Loop_Optimize,Pragma Lock_Free,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-loop-invariant}@anchor{94}
@section Pragma Loop_Invariant
Syntax:
@example
pragma Loop_Invariant ( boolean_EXPRESSION );
@end example
The effect of this pragma is similar to that of pragma @code{Assert},
except that in an @code{Assertion_Policy} pragma, the identifier
@code{Loop_Invariant} is used to control whether it is ignored or checked
(or disabled).
@code{Loop_Invariant} can only appear as one of the items in the sequence
of statements of a loop body, or nested inside block statements that
appear in the sequence of statements of a loop body.
The intention is that it be used to
represent a “loop invariant” assertion, i.e. something that is true each
time through the loop, and which can be used to show that the loop is
achieving its purpose.
Multiple @code{Loop_Invariant} and @code{Loop_Variant} pragmas that
apply to the same loop should be grouped in the same sequence of
statements.
To aid in writing such invariants, the special attribute @code{Loop_Entry}
may be used to refer to the value of an expression on entry to the loop. This
attribute can only be used within the expression of a @code{Loop_Invariant}
pragma. For full details, see documentation of attribute @code{Loop_Entry}.
@node Pragma Loop_Optimize,Pragma Loop_Variant,Pragma Loop_Invariant,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-loop-optimize}@anchor{95}
@section Pragma Loop_Optimize
Syntax:
@example
pragma Loop_Optimize (OPTIMIZATION_HINT @{, OPTIMIZATION_HINT@});
OPTIMIZATION_HINT ::= Ivdep | No_Unroll | Unroll | No_Vector | Vector
@end example
This pragma must appear immediately within a loop statement. It allows the
programmer to specify optimization hints for the enclosing loop. The hints
are not mutually exclusive and can be freely mixed, but not all combinations
will yield a sensible outcome.
There are five supported optimization hints for a loop:
@itemize *
@item
Ivdep
The programmer asserts that there are no loop-carried dependencies
which would prevent consecutive iterations of the loop from being
executed simultaneously.
@item
No_Unroll
The loop must not be unrolled. This is a strong hint: the compiler will not
unroll a loop marked with this hint.
@item
Unroll
The loop should be unrolled. This is a weak hint: the compiler will try to
apply unrolling to this loop preferably to other optimizations, notably
vectorization, but there is no guarantee that the loop will be unrolled.
@item
No_Vector
The loop must not be vectorized. This is a strong hint: the compiler will not
vectorize a loop marked with this hint.
@item
Vector
The loop should be vectorized. This is a weak hint: the compiler will try to
apply vectorization to this loop preferably to other optimizations, notably
unrolling, but there is no guarantee that the loop will be vectorized.
@end itemize
These hints do not remove the need to pass the appropriate switches to the
compiler in order to enable the relevant optimizations, that is to say
@emph{-funroll-loops} for unrolling and @emph{-ftree-vectorize} for
vectorization.
@node Pragma Loop_Variant,Pragma Machine_Attribute,Pragma Loop_Optimize,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-loop-variant}@anchor{96}
@section Pragma Loop_Variant
Syntax:
@example
pragma Loop_Variant ( LOOP_VARIANT_ITEM @{, LOOP_VARIANT_ITEM @} );
LOOP_VARIANT_ITEM ::= CHANGE_DIRECTION => discrete_EXPRESSION
CHANGE_DIRECTION ::= Increases | Decreases
@end example
@code{Loop_Variant} can only appear as one of the items in the sequence
of statements of a loop body, or nested inside block statements that
appear in the sequence of statements of a loop body.
It allows the specification of quantities which must always
decrease or increase in successive iterations of the loop. In its simplest
form, just one expression is specified, whose value must increase or decrease
on each iteration of the loop.
In a more complex form, multiple arguments can be given which are intepreted
in a nesting lexicographic manner. For example:
@example
pragma Loop_Variant (Increases => X, Decreases => Y);
@end example
specifies that each time through the loop either X increases, or X stays
the same and Y decreases. A @code{Loop_Variant} pragma ensures that the
loop is making progress. It can be useful in helping to show informally
or prove formally that the loop always terminates.
@code{Loop_Variant} is an assertion whose effect can be controlled using
an @code{Assertion_Policy} with a check name of @code{Loop_Variant}. The
policy can be @code{Check} to enable the loop variant check, @code{Ignore}
to ignore the check (in which case the pragma has no effect on the program),
or @code{Disable} in which case the pragma is not even checked for correct
syntax.
Multiple @code{Loop_Invariant} and @code{Loop_Variant} pragmas that
apply to the same loop should be grouped in the same sequence of
statements.
The @code{Loop_Entry} attribute may be used within the expressions of the
@code{Loop_Variant} pragma to refer to values on entry to the loop.
@node Pragma Machine_Attribute,Pragma Main,Pragma Loop_Variant,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-machine-attribute}@anchor{97}
@section Pragma Machine_Attribute
Syntax:
@example
pragma Machine_Attribute (
[Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME,
[Attribute_Name =>] static_string_EXPRESSION
[, [Info =>] static_EXPRESSION @{, static_EXPRESSION@}] );
@end example
Machine-dependent attributes can be specified for types and/or
declarations. This pragma is semantically equivalent to
@code{__attribute__((@emph{attribute_name}))} (if @code{info} is not
specified) or @code{__attribute__((@emph{attribute_name(info})))}
or @code{__attribute__((@emph{attribute_name(info,...})))} in GNU C,
where @emph{attribute_name} is recognized by the compiler middle-end
or the @code{TARGET_ATTRIBUTE_TABLE} machine specific macro. Note
that a string literal for the optional parameter @code{info} or the
following ones is transformed by default into an identifier,
which may make this pragma unusable for some attributes.
For further information see @cite{GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) Internals}.
@node Pragma Main,Pragma Main_Storage,Pragma Machine_Attribute,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-main}@anchor{98}
@section Pragma Main
Syntax:
@example
pragma Main
(MAIN_OPTION [, MAIN_OPTION]);
MAIN_OPTION ::=
[Stack_Size =>] static_integer_EXPRESSION
| [Task_Stack_Size_Default =>] static_integer_EXPRESSION
| [Time_Slicing_Enabled =>] static_boolean_EXPRESSION
@end example
This pragma is provided for compatibility with OpenVMS VAX Systems. It has
no effect in GNAT, other than being syntax checked.
@node Pragma Main_Storage,Pragma Max_Queue_Length,Pragma Main,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-main-storage}@anchor{99}
@section Pragma Main_Storage
Syntax:
@example
pragma Main_Storage
(MAIN_STORAGE_OPTION [, MAIN_STORAGE_OPTION]);
MAIN_STORAGE_OPTION ::=
[WORKING_STORAGE =>] static_SIMPLE_EXPRESSION
| [TOP_GUARD =>] static_SIMPLE_EXPRESSION
@end example
This pragma is provided for compatibility with OpenVMS VAX Systems. It has
no effect in GNAT, other than being syntax checked.
@node Pragma Max_Queue_Length,Pragma No_Body,Pragma Main_Storage,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id22}@anchor{9a}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-max-queue-length}@anchor{9b}
@section Pragma Max_Queue_Length
Syntax:
@example
pragma Max_Entry_Queue (static_integer_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma is used to specify the maximum callers per entry queue for
individual protected entries and entry families. It accepts a single
integer (-1 or more) as a parameter and must appear after the declaration of an
entry.
A value of -1 represents no additional restriction on queue length.
@node Pragma No_Body,Pragma No_Caching,Pragma Max_Queue_Length,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-body}@anchor{9c}
@section Pragma No_Body
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Body;
@end example
There are a number of cases in which a package spec does not require a body,
and in fact a body is not permitted. GNAT will not permit the spec to be
compiled if there is a body around. The pragma No_Body allows you to provide
a body file, even in a case where no body is allowed. The body file must
contain only comments and a single No_Body pragma. This is recognized by
the compiler as indicating that no body is logically present.
This is particularly useful during maintenance when a package is modified in
such a way that a body needed before is no longer needed. The provision of a
dummy body with a No_Body pragma ensures that there is no interference from
earlier versions of the package body.
@node Pragma No_Caching,Pragma No_Component_Reordering,Pragma No_Body,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id23}@anchor{9d}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-caching}@anchor{9e}
@section Pragma No_Caching
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Caching [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{No_Caching} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.2.
@node Pragma No_Component_Reordering,Pragma No_Elaboration_Code_All,Pragma No_Caching,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-component-reordering}@anchor{9f}
@section Pragma No_Component_Reordering
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Component_Reordering [([Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME)];
@end example
@code{type_LOCAL_NAME} must refer to a record type declaration in the current
declarative part. The effect is to preclude any reordering of components
for the layout of the record, i.e. the record is laid out by the compiler
in the order in which the components are declared textually. The form with
no argument is a configuration pragma which applies to all record types
declared in units to which the pragma applies and there is a requirement
that this pragma be used consistently within a partition.
@node Pragma No_Elaboration_Code_All,Pragma No_Heap_Finalization,Pragma No_Component_Reordering,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id24}@anchor{a0}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-elaboration-code-all}@anchor{a1}
@section Pragma No_Elaboration_Code_All
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Elaboration_Code_All [(program_unit_NAME)];
@end example
This is a program unit pragma (there is also an equivalent aspect of the
same name) that establishes the restriction @code{No_Elaboration_Code} for
the current unit and any extended main source units (body and subunits).
It also has the effect of enforcing a transitive application of this
aspect, so that if any unit is implicitly or explicitly with’ed by the
current unit, it must also have the No_Elaboration_Code_All aspect set.
It may be applied to package or subprogram specs or their generic versions.
@node Pragma No_Heap_Finalization,Pragma No_Inline,Pragma No_Elaboration_Code_All,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-heap-finalization}@anchor{a2}
@section Pragma No_Heap_Finalization
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Heap_Finalization [ (first_subtype_LOCAL_NAME) ];
@end example
Pragma @code{No_Heap_Finalization} may be used as a configuration pragma or as a
type-specific pragma.
In its configuration form, the pragma must appear within a configuration file
such as gnat.adc, without an argument. The pragma suppresses the call to
@code{Finalize} for heap-allocated objects created through library-level named
access-to-object types in cases where the designated type requires finalization
actions.
In its type-specific form, the argument of the pragma must denote a
library-level named access-to-object type. The pragma suppresses the call to
@code{Finalize} for heap-allocated objects created through the specific access type
in cases where the designated type requires finalization actions.
It is still possible to finalize such heap-allocated objects by explicitly
deallocating them.
A library-level named access-to-object type declared within a generic unit will
lose its @code{No_Heap_Finalization} pragma when the corresponding instance does not
appear at the library level.
@node Pragma No_Inline,Pragma No_Return,Pragma No_Heap_Finalization,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id25}@anchor{a3}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-inline}@anchor{a4}
@section Pragma No_Inline
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Inline (NAME @{, NAME@});
@end example
This pragma suppresses inlining for the callable entity or the instances of
the generic subprogram designated by @code{NAME}, including inlining that
results from the use of pragma @code{Inline}. This pragma is always active,
in particular it is not subject to the use of option @emph{-gnatn} or
@emph{-gnatN}. It is illegal to specify both pragma @code{No_Inline} and
pragma @code{Inline_Always} for the same @code{NAME}.
@node Pragma No_Return,Pragma No_Strict_Aliasing,Pragma No_Inline,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-return}@anchor{a5}
@section Pragma No_Return
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Return (procedure_LOCAL_NAME @{, procedure_LOCAL_NAME@});
@end example
Each @code{procedure_LOCAL_NAME} argument must refer to one or more procedure
declarations in the current declarative part. A procedure to which this
pragma is applied may not contain any explicit @code{return} statements.
In addition, if the procedure contains any implicit returns from falling
off the end of a statement sequence, then execution of that implicit
return will cause Program_Error to be raised.
One use of this pragma is to identify procedures whose only purpose is to raise
an exception. Another use of this pragma is to suppress incorrect warnings
about missing returns in functions, where the last statement of a function
statement sequence is a call to such a procedure.
Note that in Ada 2005 mode, this pragma is part of the language. It is
available in all earlier versions of Ada as an implementation-defined
pragma.
@node Pragma No_Strict_Aliasing,Pragma No_Tagged_Streams,Pragma No_Return,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-strict-aliasing}@anchor{a6}
@section Pragma No_Strict_Aliasing
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Strict_Aliasing [([Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME)];
@end example
@code{type_LOCAL_NAME} must refer to an access type
declaration in the current declarative part. The effect is to inhibit
strict aliasing optimization for the given type. The form with no
arguments is a configuration pragma which applies to all access types
declared in units to which the pragma applies. For a detailed
description of the strict aliasing optimization, and the situations
in which it must be suppressed, see the section on Optimization and Strict Aliasing
in the @cite{GNAT User’s Guide}.
This pragma currently has no effects on access to unconstrained array types.
@node Pragma No_Tagged_Streams,Pragma Normalize_Scalars,Pragma No_Strict_Aliasing,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id26}@anchor{a7}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-no-tagged-streams}@anchor{a8}
@section Pragma No_Tagged_Streams
Syntax:
@example
pragma No_Tagged_Streams [([Entity =>] tagged_type_LOCAL_NAME)];
@end example
Normally when a tagged type is introduced using a full type declaration,
part of the processing includes generating stream access routines to be
used by stream attributes referencing the type (or one of its subtypes
or derived types). This can involve the generation of significant amounts
of code which is wasted space if stream routines are not needed for the
type in question.
The @code{No_Tagged_Streams} pragma causes the generation of these stream
routines to be skipped, and any attempt to use stream operations on
types subject to this pragma will be statically rejected as illegal.
There are two forms of the pragma. The form with no arguments must appear
in a declarative sequence or in the declarations of a package spec. This
pragma affects all subsequent root tagged types declared in the declaration
sequence, and specifies that no stream routines be generated. The form with
an argument (for which there is also a corresponding aspect) specifies a
single root tagged type for which stream routines are not to be generated.
Once the pragma has been given for a particular root tagged type, all subtypes
and derived types of this type inherit the pragma automatically, so the effect
applies to a complete hierarchy (this is necessary to deal with the class-wide
dispatching versions of the stream routines).
When pragmas @code{Discard_Names} and @code{No_Tagged_Streams} are simultaneously
applied to a tagged type its Expanded_Name and External_Tag are initialized
with empty strings. This is useful to avoid exposing entity names at binary
level but has a negative impact on the debuggability of tagged types.
@node Pragma Normalize_Scalars,Pragma Obsolescent,Pragma No_Tagged_Streams,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-normalize-scalars}@anchor{a9}
@section Pragma Normalize_Scalars
Syntax:
@example
pragma Normalize_Scalars;
@end example
This is a language defined pragma which is fully implemented in GNAT. The
effect is to cause all scalar objects that are not otherwise initialized
to be initialized. The initial values are implementation dependent and
are as follows:
@table @asis
@item @emph{Standard.Character}
Objects whose root type is Standard.Character are initialized to
Character’Last unless the subtype range excludes NUL (in which case
NUL is used). This choice will always generate an invalid value if
one exists.
@item @emph{Standard.Wide_Character}
Objects whose root type is Standard.Wide_Character are initialized to
Wide_Character’Last unless the subtype range excludes NUL (in which case
NUL is used). This choice will always generate an invalid value if
one exists.
@item @emph{Standard.Wide_Wide_Character}
Objects whose root type is Standard.Wide_Wide_Character are initialized to
the invalid value 16#FFFF_FFFF# unless the subtype range excludes NUL (in
which case NUL is used). This choice will always generate an invalid value if
one exists.
@item @emph{Integer types}
Objects of an integer type are treated differently depending on whether
negative values are present in the subtype. If no negative values are
present, then all one bits is used as the initial value except in the
special case where zero is excluded from the subtype, in which case
all zero bits are used. This choice will always generate an invalid
value if one exists.
For subtypes with negative values present, the largest negative number
is used, except in the unusual case where this largest negative number
is in the subtype, and the largest positive number is not, in which case
the largest positive value is used. This choice will always generate
an invalid value if one exists.
@item @emph{Floating-Point Types}
Objects of all floating-point types are initialized to all 1-bits. For
standard IEEE format, this corresponds to a NaN (not a number) which is
indeed an invalid value.
@item @emph{Fixed-Point Types}
Objects of all fixed-point types are treated as described above for integers,
with the rules applying to the underlying integer value used to represent
the fixed-point value.
@item @emph{Modular types}
Objects of a modular type are initialized to all one bits, except in
the special case where zero is excluded from the subtype, in which
case all zero bits are used. This choice will always generate an
invalid value if one exists.
@item @emph{Enumeration types}
Objects of an enumeration type are initialized to all one-bits, i.e., to
the value @code{2 ** typ'Size - 1} unless the subtype excludes the literal
whose Pos value is zero, in which case a code of zero is used. This choice
will always generate an invalid value if one exists.
@end table
@node Pragma Obsolescent,Pragma Optimize_Alignment,Pragma Normalize_Scalars,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id27}@anchor{aa}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-obsolescent}@anchor{ab}
@section Pragma Obsolescent
Syntax:
@example
pragma Obsolescent;
pragma Obsolescent (
[Message =>] static_string_EXPRESSION
[,[Version =>] Ada_05]]);
pragma Obsolescent (
[Entity =>] NAME
[,[Message =>] static_string_EXPRESSION
[,[Version =>] Ada_05]] );
@end example
This pragma can occur immediately following a declaration of an entity,
including the case of a record component. If no Entity argument is present,
then this declaration is the one to which the pragma applies. If an Entity
parameter is present, it must either match the name of the entity in this
declaration, or alternatively, the pragma can immediately follow an enumeration
type declaration, where the Entity argument names one of the enumeration
literals.
This pragma is used to indicate that the named entity
is considered obsolescent and should not be used. Typically this is
used when an API must be modified by eventually removing or modifying
existing subprograms or other entities. The pragma can be used at an
intermediate stage when the entity is still present, but will be
removed later.
The effect of this pragma is to output a warning message on a reference to
an entity thus marked that the subprogram is obsolescent if the appropriate
warning option in the compiler is activated. If the @code{Message} parameter is
present, then a second warning message is given containing this text. In
addition, a reference to the entity is considered to be a violation of pragma
@code{Restrictions (No_Obsolescent_Features)}.
This pragma can also be used as a program unit pragma for a package,
in which case the entity name is the name of the package, and the
pragma indicates that the entire package is considered
obsolescent. In this case a client @code{with}ing such a package
violates the restriction, and the @code{with} clause is
flagged with warnings if the warning option is set.
If the @code{Version} parameter is present (which must be exactly
the identifier @code{Ada_05}, no other argument is allowed), then the
indication of obsolescence applies only when compiling in Ada 2005
mode. This is primarily intended for dealing with the situations
in the predefined library where subprograms or packages
have become defined as obsolescent in Ada 2005
(e.g., in @code{Ada.Characters.Handling}), but may be used anywhere.
The following examples show typical uses of this pragma:
@example
package p is
pragma Obsolescent (p, Message => "use pp instead of p");
end p;
package q is
procedure q2;
pragma Obsolescent ("use q2new instead");
type R is new integer;
pragma Obsolescent
(Entity => R,
Message => "use RR in Ada 2005",
Version => Ada_05);
type M is record
F1 : Integer;
F2 : Integer;
pragma Obsolescent;
F3 : Integer;
end record;
type E is (a, bc, 'd', quack);
pragma Obsolescent (Entity => bc)
pragma Obsolescent (Entity => 'd')
function "+"
(a, b : character) return character;
pragma Obsolescent (Entity => "+");
end;
@end example
Note that, as for all pragmas, if you use a pragma argument identifier,
then all subsequent parameters must also use a pragma argument identifier.
So if you specify @code{Entity =>} for the @code{Entity} argument, and a @code{Message}
argument is present, it must be preceded by @code{Message =>}.
@node Pragma Optimize_Alignment,Pragma Ordered,Pragma Obsolescent,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-optimize-alignment}@anchor{ac}
@section Pragma Optimize_Alignment
@geindex Alignment
@geindex default settings
Syntax:
@example
pragma Optimize_Alignment (TIME | SPACE | OFF);
@end example
This is a configuration pragma which affects the choice of default alignments
for types and objects where no alignment is explicitly specified. There is a
time/space trade-off in the selection of these values. Large alignments result
in more efficient code, at the expense of larger data space, since sizes have
to be increased to match these alignments. Smaller alignments save space, but
the access code is slower. The normal choice of default alignments for types
and individual alignment promotions for objects (which is what you get if you
do not use this pragma, or if you use an argument of OFF), tries to balance
these two requirements.
Specifying SPACE causes smaller default alignments to be chosen in two cases.
First any packed record is given an alignment of 1. Second, if a size is given
for the type, then the alignment is chosen to avoid increasing this size. For
example, consider:
@example
type R is record
X : Integer;
Y : Character;
end record;
for R'Size use 5*8;
@end example
In the default mode, this type gets an alignment of 4, so that access to the
Integer field X are efficient. But this means that objects of the type end up
with a size of 8 bytes. This is a valid choice, since sizes of objects are
allowed to be bigger than the size of the type, but it can waste space if for
example fields of type R appear in an enclosing record. If the above type is
compiled in @code{Optimize_Alignment (Space)} mode, the alignment is set to 1.
However, there is one case in which SPACE is ignored. If a variable length
record (that is a discriminated record with a component which is an array
whose length depends on a discriminant), has a pragma Pack, then it is not
in general possible to set the alignment of such a record to one, so the
pragma is ignored in this case (with a warning).
Specifying SPACE also disables alignment promotions for standalone objects,
which occur when the compiler increases the alignment of a specific object
without changing the alignment of its type.
Specifying SPACE also disables component reordering in unpacked record types,
which can result in larger sizes in order to meet alignment requirements.
Specifying TIME causes larger default alignments to be chosen in the case of
small types with sizes that are not a power of 2. For example, consider:
@example
type R is record
A : Character;
B : Character;
C : Boolean;
end record;
pragma Pack (R);
for R'Size use 17;
@end example
The default alignment for this record is normally 1, but if this type is
compiled in @code{Optimize_Alignment (Time)} mode, then the alignment is set
to 4, which wastes space for objects of the type, since they are now 4 bytes
long, but results in more efficient access when the whole record is referenced.
As noted above, this is a configuration pragma, and there is a requirement
that all units in a partition be compiled with a consistent setting of the
optimization setting. This would normally be achieved by use of a configuration
pragma file containing the appropriate setting. The exception to this rule is
that units with an explicit configuration pragma in the same file as the source
unit are excluded from the consistency check, as are all predefined units. The
latter are compiled by default in pragma Optimize_Alignment (Off) mode if no
pragma appears at the start of the file.
@node Pragma Ordered,Pragma Overflow_Mode,Pragma Optimize_Alignment,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ordered}@anchor{ad}
@section Pragma Ordered
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ordered (enumeration_first_subtype_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
Most enumeration types are from a conceptual point of view unordered.
For example, consider:
@example
type Color is (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow);
@end example
By Ada semantics @code{Blue > Red} and @code{Green > Blue},
but really these relations make no sense; the enumeration type merely
specifies a set of possible colors, and the order is unimportant.
For unordered enumeration types, it is generally a good idea if
clients avoid comparisons (other than equality or inequality) and
explicit ranges. (A @emph{client} is a unit where the type is referenced,
other than the unit where the type is declared, its body, and its subunits.)
For example, if code buried in some client says:
@example
if Current_Color < Yellow then ...
if Current_Color in Blue .. Green then ...
@end example
then the client code is relying on the order, which is undesirable.
It makes the code hard to read and creates maintenance difficulties if
entries have to be added to the enumeration type. Instead,
the code in the client should list the possibilities, or an
appropriate subtype should be declared in the unit that declares
the original enumeration type. E.g., the following subtype could
be declared along with the type @code{Color}:
@example
subtype RBG is Color range Red .. Green;
@end example
and then the client could write:
@example
if Current_Color in RBG then ...
if Current_Color = Blue or Current_Color = Green then ...
@end example
However, some enumeration types are legitimately ordered from a conceptual
point of view. For example, if you declare:
@example
type Day is (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun);
@end example
then the ordering imposed by the language is reasonable, and
clients can depend on it, writing for example:
@example
if D in Mon .. Fri then ...
if D < Wed then ...
@end example
The pragma @emph{Ordered} is provided to mark enumeration types that
are conceptually ordered, alerting the reader that clients may depend
on the ordering. GNAT provides a pragma to mark enumerations as ordered
rather than one to mark them as unordered, since in our experience,
the great majority of enumeration types are conceptually unordered.
The types @code{Boolean}, @code{Character}, @code{Wide_Character},
and @code{Wide_Wide_Character}
are considered to be ordered types, so each is declared with a
pragma @code{Ordered} in package @code{Standard}.
Normally pragma @code{Ordered} serves only as documentation and a guide for
coding standards, but GNAT provides a warning switch @emph{-gnatw.u} that
requests warnings for inappropriate uses (comparisons and explicit
subranges) for unordered types. If this switch is used, then any
enumeration type not marked with pragma @code{Ordered} will be considered
as unordered, and will generate warnings for inappropriate uses.
Note that generic types are not considered ordered or unordered (since the
template can be instantiated for both cases), so we never generate warnings
for the case of generic enumerated types.
For additional information please refer to the description of the
@emph{-gnatw.u} switch in the GNAT User’s Guide.
@node Pragma Overflow_Mode,Pragma Overriding_Renamings,Pragma Ordered,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-overflow-mode}@anchor{ae}
@section Pragma Overflow_Mode
Syntax:
@example
pragma Overflow_Mode
( [General =>] MODE
[,[Assertions =>] MODE]);
MODE ::= STRICT | MINIMIZED | ELIMINATED
@end example
This pragma sets the current overflow mode to the given setting. For details
of the meaning of these modes, please refer to the
‘Overflow Check Handling in GNAT’ appendix in the
GNAT User’s Guide. If only the @code{General} parameter is present,
the given mode applies to all expressions. If both parameters are present,
the @code{General} mode applies to expressions outside assertions, and
the @code{Eliminated} mode applies to expressions within assertions.
The case of the @code{MODE} parameter is ignored,
so @code{MINIMIZED}, @code{Minimized} and
@code{minimized} all have the same effect.
The @code{Overflow_Mode} pragma has the same scoping and placement
rules as pragma @code{Suppress}, so it can occur either as a
configuration pragma, specifying a default for the whole
program, or in a declarative scope, where it applies to the
remaining declarations and statements in that scope.
The pragma @code{Suppress (Overflow_Check)} suppresses
overflow checking, but does not affect the overflow mode.
The pragma @code{Unsuppress (Overflow_Check)} unsuppresses (enables)
overflow checking, but does not affect the overflow mode.
@node Pragma Overriding_Renamings,Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy,Pragma Overflow_Mode,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-overriding-renamings}@anchor{af}
@section Pragma Overriding_Renamings
@geindex Rational profile
@geindex Rational compatibility
Syntax:
@example
pragma Overriding_Renamings;
@end example
This is a GNAT configuration pragma to simplify porting
legacy code accepted by the Rational
Ada compiler. In the presence of this pragma, a renaming declaration that
renames an inherited operation declared in the same scope is legal if selected
notation is used as in:
@example
pragma Overriding_Renamings;
...
package R is
function F (..);
...
function F (..) renames R.F;
end R;
@end example
even though
RM 8.3 (15) stipulates that an overridden operation is not visible within the
declaration of the overriding operation.
@node Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy,Pragma Part_Of,Pragma Overriding_Renamings,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-partition-elaboration-policy}@anchor{b0}
@section Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy
Syntax:
@example
pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy (POLICY_IDENTIFIER);
POLICY_IDENTIFIER ::= Concurrent | Sequential
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2005, but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
See Ada 2012 Reference Manual for details.
@node Pragma Part_Of,Pragma Passive,Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id28}@anchor{b1}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-part-of}@anchor{b2}
@section Pragma Part_Of
Syntax:
@example
pragma Part_Of (ABSTRACT_STATE);
ABSTRACT_STATE ::= NAME
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Part_Of} in the
SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.2.6.
@node Pragma Passive,Pragma Persistent_BSS,Pragma Part_Of,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-passive}@anchor{b3}
@section Pragma Passive
Syntax:
@example
pragma Passive [(Semaphore | No)];
@end example
Syntax checked, but otherwise ignored by GNAT. This is recognized for
compatibility with DEC Ada 83 implementations, where it is used within a
task definition to request that a task be made passive. If the argument
@code{Semaphore} is present, or the argument is omitted, then DEC Ada 83
treats the pragma as an assertion that the containing task is passive
and that optimization of context switch with this task is permitted and
desired. If the argument @code{No} is present, the task must not be
optimized. GNAT does not attempt to optimize any tasks in this manner
(since protected objects are available in place of passive tasks).
For more information on the subject of passive tasks, see the section
‘Passive Task Optimization’ in the GNAT Users Guide.
@node Pragma Persistent_BSS,Pragma Post,Pragma Passive,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id29}@anchor{b4}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-persistent-bss}@anchor{b5}
@section Pragma Persistent_BSS
Syntax:
@example
pragma Persistent_BSS [(LOCAL_NAME)]
@end example
This pragma allows selected objects to be placed in the @code{.persistent_bss}
section. On some targets the linker and loader provide for special
treatment of this section, allowing a program to be reloaded without
affecting the contents of this data (hence the name persistent).
There are two forms of usage. If an argument is given, it must be the
local name of a library-level object, with no explicit initialization
and whose type is potentially persistent. If no argument is given, then
the pragma is a configuration pragma, and applies to all library-level
objects with no explicit initialization of potentially persistent types.
A potentially persistent type is a scalar type, or an untagged,
non-discriminated record, all of whose components have no explicit
initialization and are themselves of a potentially persistent type,
or an array, all of whose constraints are static, and whose component
type is potentially persistent.
If this pragma is used on a target where this feature is not supported,
then the pragma will be ignored. See also @code{pragma Linker_Section}.
@node Pragma Post,Pragma Postcondition,Pragma Persistent_BSS,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-post}@anchor{b6}
@section Pragma Post
@geindex Post
@geindex Checks
@geindex postconditions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Post (Boolean_Expression);
@end example
The @code{Post} pragma is intended to be an exact replacement for
the language-defined
@code{Post} aspect, and shares its restrictions and semantics.
It must appear either immediately following the corresponding
subprogram declaration (only other pragmas may intervene), or
if there is no separate subprogram declaration, then it can
appear at the start of the declarations in a subprogram body
(preceded only by other pragmas).
@node Pragma Postcondition,Pragma Post_Class,Pragma Post,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-postcondition}@anchor{b7}
@section Pragma Postcondition
@geindex Postcondition
@geindex Checks
@geindex postconditions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Postcondition (
[Check =>] Boolean_Expression
[,[Message =>] String_Expression]);
@end example
The @code{Postcondition} pragma allows specification of automatic
postcondition checks for subprograms. These checks are similar to
assertions, but are automatically inserted just prior to the return
statements of the subprogram with which they are associated (including
implicit returns at the end of procedure bodies and associated
exception handlers).
In addition, the boolean expression which is the condition which
must be true may contain references to function’Result in the case
of a function to refer to the returned value.
@code{Postcondition} pragmas may appear either immediately following the
(separate) declaration of a subprogram, or at the start of the
declarations of a subprogram body. Only other pragmas may intervene
(that is appear between the subprogram declaration and its
postconditions, or appear before the postcondition in the
declaration sequence in a subprogram body). In the case of a
postcondition appearing after a subprogram declaration, the
formal arguments of the subprogram are visible, and can be
referenced in the postcondition expressions.
The postconditions are collected and automatically tested just
before any return (implicit or explicit) in the subprogram body.
A postcondition is only recognized if postconditions are active
at the time the pragma is encountered. The compiler switch @emph{gnata}
turns on all postconditions by default, and pragma @code{Check_Policy}
with an identifier of @code{Postcondition} can also be used to
control whether postconditions are active.
The general approach is that postconditions are placed in the spec
if they represent functional aspects which make sense to the client.
For example we might have:
@example
function Direction return Integer;
pragma Postcondition
(Direction'Result = +1
or else
Direction'Result = -1);
@end example
which serves to document that the result must be +1 or -1, and
will test that this is the case at run time if postcondition
checking is active.
Postconditions within the subprogram body can be used to
check that some internal aspect of the implementation,
not visible to the client, is operating as expected.
For instance if a square root routine keeps an internal
counter of the number of times it is called, then we
might have the following postcondition:
@example
Sqrt_Calls : Natural := 0;
function Sqrt (Arg : Float) return Float is
pragma Postcondition
(Sqrt_Calls = Sqrt_Calls'Old + 1);
...
end Sqrt
@end example
As this example, shows, the use of the @code{Old} attribute
is often useful in postconditions to refer to the state on
entry to the subprogram.
Note that postconditions are only checked on normal returns
from the subprogram. If an abnormal return results from
raising an exception, then the postconditions are not checked.
If a postcondition fails, then the exception
@code{System.Assertions.Assert_Failure} is raised. If
a message argument was supplied, then the given string
will be used as the exception message. If no message
argument was supplied, then the default message has
the form “Postcondition failed at file_name:line”. The
exception is raised in the context of the subprogram
body, so it is possible to catch postcondition failures
within the subprogram body itself.
Within a package spec, normal visibility rules
in Ada would prevent forward references within a
postcondition pragma to functions defined later in
the same package. This would introduce undesirable
ordering constraints. To avoid this problem, all
postcondition pragmas are analyzed at the end of
the package spec, allowing forward references.
The following example shows that this even allows
mutually recursive postconditions as in:
@example
package Parity_Functions is
function Odd (X : Natural) return Boolean;
pragma Postcondition
(Odd'Result =
(x = 1
or else
(x /= 0 and then Even (X - 1))));
function Even (X : Natural) return Boolean;
pragma Postcondition
(Even'Result =
(x = 0
or else
(x /= 1 and then Odd (X - 1))));
end Parity_Functions;
@end example
There are no restrictions on the complexity or form of
conditions used within @code{Postcondition} pragmas.
The following example shows that it is even possible
to verify performance behavior.
@example
package Sort is
Performance : constant Float;
-- Performance constant set by implementation
-- to match target architecture behavior.
procedure Treesort (Arg : String);
-- Sorts characters of argument using N*logN sort
pragma Postcondition
(Float (Clock - Clock'Old) <=
Float (Arg'Length) *
log (Float (Arg'Length)) *
Performance);
end Sort;
@end example
Note: postcondition pragmas associated with subprograms that are
marked as Inline_Always, or those marked as Inline with front-end
inlining (-gnatN option set) are accepted and legality-checked
by the compiler, but are ignored at run-time even if postcondition
checking is enabled.
Note that pragma @code{Postcondition} differs from the language-defined
@code{Post} aspect (and corresponding @code{Post} pragma) in allowing
multiple occurrences, allowing occurences in the body even if there
is a separate spec, and allowing a second string parameter, and the
use of the pragma identifier @code{Check}. Historically, pragma
@code{Postcondition} was implemented prior to the development of
Ada 2012, and has been retained in its original form for
compatibility purposes.
@node Pragma Post_Class,Pragma Pre,Pragma Postcondition,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-post-class}@anchor{b8}
@section Pragma Post_Class
@geindex Post
@geindex Checks
@geindex postconditions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Post_Class (Boolean_Expression);
@end example
The @code{Post_Class} pragma is intended to be an exact replacement for
the language-defined
@code{Post'Class} aspect, and shares its restrictions and semantics.
It must appear either immediately following the corresponding
subprogram declaration (only other pragmas may intervene), or
if there is no separate subprogram declaration, then it can
appear at the start of the declarations in a subprogram body
(preceded only by other pragmas).
Note: This pragma is called @code{Post_Class} rather than
@code{Post'Class} because the latter would not be strictly
conforming to the allowed syntax for pragmas. The motivation
for provinding pragmas equivalent to the aspects is to allow a program
to be written using the pragmas, and then compiled if necessary
using an Ada compiler that does not recognize the pragmas or
aspects, but is prepared to ignore the pragmas. The assertion
policy that controls this pragma is @code{Post'Class}, not
@code{Post_Class}.
@node Pragma Pre,Pragma Precondition,Pragma Post_Class,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-pre}@anchor{b9}
@section Pragma Pre
@geindex Pre
@geindex Checks
@geindex preconditions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Pre (Boolean_Expression);
@end example
The @code{Pre} pragma is intended to be an exact replacement for
the language-defined
@code{Pre} aspect, and shares its restrictions and semantics.
It must appear either immediately following the corresponding
subprogram declaration (only other pragmas may intervene), or
if there is no separate subprogram declaration, then it can
appear at the start of the declarations in a subprogram body
(preceded only by other pragmas).
@node Pragma Precondition,Pragma Predicate,Pragma Pre,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-precondition}@anchor{ba}
@section Pragma Precondition
@geindex Preconditions
@geindex Checks
@geindex preconditions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Precondition (
[Check =>] Boolean_Expression
[,[Message =>] String_Expression]);
@end example
The @code{Precondition} pragma is similar to @code{Postcondition}
except that the corresponding checks take place immediately upon
entry to the subprogram, and if a precondition fails, the exception
is raised in the context of the caller, and the attribute ‘Result
cannot be used within the precondition expression.
Otherwise, the placement and visibility rules are identical to those
described for postconditions. The following is an example of use
within a package spec:
@example
package Math_Functions is
...
function Sqrt (Arg : Float) return Float;
pragma Precondition (Arg >= 0.0)
...
end Math_Functions;
@end example
@code{Precondition} pragmas may appear either immediately following the
(separate) declaration of a subprogram, or at the start of the
declarations of a subprogram body. Only other pragmas may intervene
(that is appear between the subprogram declaration and its
postconditions, or appear before the postcondition in the
declaration sequence in a subprogram body).
Note: precondition pragmas associated with subprograms that are
marked as Inline_Always, or those marked as Inline with front-end
inlining (-gnatN option set) are accepted and legality-checked
by the compiler, but are ignored at run-time even if precondition
checking is enabled.
Note that pragma @code{Precondition} differs from the language-defined
@code{Pre} aspect (and corresponding @code{Pre} pragma) in allowing
multiple occurrences, allowing occurences in the body even if there
is a separate spec, and allowing a second string parameter, and the
use of the pragma identifier @code{Check}. Historically, pragma
@code{Precondition} was implemented prior to the development of
Ada 2012, and has been retained in its original form for
compatibility purposes.
@node Pragma Predicate,Pragma Predicate_Failure,Pragma Precondition,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id30}@anchor{bb}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-predicate}@anchor{bc}
@section Pragma Predicate
Syntax:
@example
pragma Predicate
([Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME,
[Check =>] EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma (available in all versions of Ada in GNAT) encompasses both
the @code{Static_Predicate} and @code{Dynamic_Predicate} aspects in
Ada 2012. A predicate is regarded as static if it has an allowed form
for @code{Static_Predicate} and is otherwise treated as a
@code{Dynamic_Predicate}. Otherwise, predicates specified by this
pragma behave exactly as described in the Ada 2012 reference manual.
For example, if we have
@example
type R is range 1 .. 10;
subtype S is R;
pragma Predicate (Entity => S, Check => S not in 4 .. 6);
subtype Q is R
pragma Predicate (Entity => Q, Check => F(Q) or G(Q));
@end example
the effect is identical to the following Ada 2012 code:
@example
type R is range 1 .. 10;
subtype S is R with
Static_Predicate => S not in 4 .. 6;
subtype Q is R with
Dynamic_Predicate => F(Q) or G(Q);
@end example
Note that there are no pragmas @code{Dynamic_Predicate}
or @code{Static_Predicate}. That is
because these pragmas would affect legality and semantics of
the program and thus do not have a neutral effect if ignored.
The motivation behind providing pragmas equivalent to
corresponding aspects is to allow a program to be written
using the pragmas, and then compiled with a compiler that
will ignore the pragmas. That doesn’t work in the case of
static and dynamic predicates, since if the corresponding
pragmas are ignored, then the behavior of the program is
fundamentally changed (for example a membership test
@code{A in B} would not take into account a predicate
defined for subtype B). When following this approach, the
use of predicates should be avoided.
@node Pragma Predicate_Failure,Pragma Preelaborable_Initialization,Pragma Predicate,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-predicate-failure}@anchor{bd}
@section Pragma Predicate_Failure
Syntax:
@example
pragma Predicate_Failure
([Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME,
[Message =>] String_Expression);
@end example
The @code{Predicate_Failure} pragma is intended to be an exact replacement for
the language-defined
@code{Predicate_Failure} aspect, and shares its restrictions and semantics.
@node Pragma Preelaborable_Initialization,Pragma Prefix_Exception_Messages,Pragma Predicate_Failure,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-preelaborable-initialization}@anchor{be}
@section Pragma Preelaborable_Initialization
Syntax:
@example
pragma Preelaborable_Initialization (DIRECT_NAME);
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2005, but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
See Ada 2012 Reference Manual for details.
@node Pragma Prefix_Exception_Messages,Pragma Pre_Class,Pragma Preelaborable_Initialization,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-prefix-exception-messages}@anchor{bf}
@section Pragma Prefix_Exception_Messages
@geindex Prefix_Exception_Messages
@geindex exception
@geindex Exception_Message
Syntax:
@example
pragma Prefix_Exception_Messages;
@end example
This is an implementation-defined configuration pragma that affects the
behavior of raise statements with a message given as a static string
constant (typically a string literal). In such cases, the string will
be automatically prefixed by the name of the enclosing entity (giving
the package and subprogram containing the raise statement). This helps
to identify where messages are coming from, and this mode is automatic
for the run-time library.
The pragma has no effect if the message is computed with an expression other
than a static string constant, since the assumption in this case is that
the program computes exactly the string it wants. If you still want the
prefixing in this case, you can always call
@code{GNAT.Source_Info.Enclosing_Entity} and prepend the string manually.
@node Pragma Pre_Class,Pragma Priority_Specific_Dispatching,Pragma Prefix_Exception_Messages,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-pre-class}@anchor{c0}
@section Pragma Pre_Class
@geindex Pre_Class
@geindex Checks
@geindex preconditions
Syntax:
@example
pragma Pre_Class (Boolean_Expression);
@end example
The @code{Pre_Class} pragma is intended to be an exact replacement for
the language-defined
@code{Pre'Class} aspect, and shares its restrictions and semantics.
It must appear either immediately following the corresponding
subprogram declaration (only other pragmas may intervene), or
if there is no separate subprogram declaration, then it can
appear at the start of the declarations in a subprogram body
(preceded only by other pragmas).
Note: This pragma is called @code{Pre_Class} rather than
@code{Pre'Class} because the latter would not be strictly
conforming to the allowed syntax for pragmas. The motivation
for providing pragmas equivalent to the aspects is to allow a program
to be written using the pragmas, and then compiled if necessary
using an Ada compiler that does not recognize the pragmas or
aspects, but is prepared to ignore the pragmas. The assertion
policy that controls this pragma is @code{Pre'Class}, not
@code{Pre_Class}.
@node Pragma Priority_Specific_Dispatching,Pragma Profile,Pragma Pre_Class,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-priority-specific-dispatching}@anchor{c1}
@section Pragma Priority_Specific_Dispatching
Syntax:
@example
pragma Priority_Specific_Dispatching (
POLICY_IDENTIFIER,
first_priority_EXPRESSION,
last_priority_EXPRESSION)
POLICY_IDENTIFIER ::=
EDF_Across_Priorities |
FIFO_Within_Priorities |
Non_Preemptive_Within_Priorities |
Round_Robin_Within_Priorities
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2005, but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
See Ada 2012 Reference Manual for details.
@node Pragma Profile,Pragma Profile_Warnings,Pragma Priority_Specific_Dispatching,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-profile}@anchor{c2}
@section Pragma Profile
Syntax:
@example
pragma Profile (Ravenscar | Restricted | Rational | Jorvik |
GNAT_Extended_Ravenscar | GNAT_Ravenscar_EDF );
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2005, but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma. This is a
configuration pragma that establishes a set of configuration pragmas
that depend on the argument. @code{Ravenscar} is standard in Ada 2005.
@code{Jorvik} is standard in Ada 202x.
The other possibilities (@code{Restricted}, @code{Rational},
@code{GNAT_Extended_Ravenscar}, @code{GNAT_Ravenscar_EDF})
are implementation-defined. @code{GNAT_Extended_Ravenscar} is an alias for @code{Jorvik}.
The set of configuration pragmas is defined in the following sections.
@itemize *
@item
Pragma Profile (Ravenscar)
The @code{Ravenscar} profile is standard in Ada 2005,
but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma. This profile
establishes the following set of configuration pragmas:
@itemize *
@item
@code{Task_Dispatching_Policy (FIFO_Within_Priorities)}
[RM D.2.2] Tasks are dispatched following a preemptive
priority-ordered scheduling policy.
@item
@code{Locking_Policy (Ceiling_Locking)}
[RM D.3] While tasks and interrupts execute a protected action, they inherit
the ceiling priority of the corresponding protected object.
@item
@code{Detect_Blocking}
This pragma forces the detection of potentially blocking operations within a
protected operation, and to raise Program_Error if that happens.
@end itemize
plus the following set of restrictions:
@itemize *
@item
@code{Max_Entry_Queue_Length => 1}
No task can be queued on a protected entry.
@item
@code{Max_Protected_Entries => 1}
@item
@code{Max_Task_Entries => 0}
No rendezvous statements are allowed.
@item
@code{No_Abort_Statements}
@item
@code{No_Dynamic_Attachment}
@item
@code{No_Dynamic_Priorities}
@item
@code{No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations}
@item
@code{No_Local_Protected_Objects}
@item
@code{No_Local_Timing_Events}
@item
@code{No_Protected_Type_Allocators}
@item
@code{No_Relative_Delay}
@item
@code{No_Requeue_Statements}
@item
@code{No_Select_Statements}
@item
@code{No_Specific_Termination_Handlers}
@item
@code{No_Task_Allocators}
@item
@code{No_Task_Hierarchy}
@item
@code{No_Task_Termination}
@item
@code{Simple_Barriers}
@end itemize
The Ravenscar profile also includes the following restrictions that specify
that there are no semantic dependencies on the corresponding predefined
packages:
@itemize *
@item
@code{No_Dependence => Ada.Asynchronous_Task_Control}
@item
@code{No_Dependence => Ada.Calendar}
@item
@code{No_Dependence => Ada.Execution_Time.Group_Budget}
@item
@code{No_Dependence => Ada.Execution_Time.Timers}
@item
@code{No_Dependence => Ada.Task_Attributes}
@item
@code{No_Dependence => System.Multiprocessors.Dispatching_Domains}
@end itemize
This set of configuration pragmas and restrictions correspond to the
definition of the ‘Ravenscar Profile’ for limited tasking, devised and
published by the @cite{International Real-Time Ada Workshop@comma{} 1997}.
A description is also available at
@indicateurl{http://www-users.cs.york.ac.uk/~burns/ravenscar.ps}.
The original definition of the profile was revised at subsequent IRTAW
meetings. It has been included in the ISO
@cite{Guide for the Use of the Ada Programming Language in High Integrity Systems},
and was made part of the Ada 2005 standard.
The formal definition given by
the Ada Rapporteur Group (ARG) can be found in two Ada Issues (AI-249 and
AI-305) available at
@indicateurl{http://www.ada-auth.org/cgi-bin/cvsweb.cgi/ais/ai-00249.txt} and
@indicateurl{http://www.ada-auth.org/cgi-bin/cvsweb.cgi/ais/ai-00305.txt}.
The above set is a superset of the restrictions provided by pragma
@code{Profile (Restricted)}, it includes six additional restrictions
(@code{Simple_Barriers}, @code{No_Select_Statements},
@code{No_Calendar}, @code{No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations},
@code{No_Relative_Delay} and @code{No_Task_Termination}). This means
that pragma @code{Profile (Ravenscar)}, like the pragma
@code{Profile (Restricted)},
automatically causes the use of a simplified,
more efficient version of the tasking run-time library.
@item
Pragma Profile (Jorvik)
@code{Jorvik} is the new profile added to the Ada 202x draft standard,
previously implemented under the name @code{GNAT_Extended_Ravenscar}.
The @code{No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations} restriction has been replaced
by @code{No_Implicit_Task_Allocations} and
@code{No_Implicit_Protected_Object_Allocations}.
The @code{Simple_Barriers} restriction has been replaced by
@code{Pure_Barriers}.
The @code{Max_Protected_Entries}, @code{Max_Entry_Queue_Length}, and
@code{No_Relative_Delay} restrictions have been removed.
Details on the rationale for @code{Jorvik} and implications for use may be
found in @cite{A New Ravenscar-Based Profile} by P. Rogers, J. Ruiz,
T. Gingold and P. Bernardi, in @cite{Reliable Software Technologies – Ada Europe 2017}, Springer-Verlag Lecture Notes in Computer Science,
Number 10300.
@item
Pragma Profile (GNAT_Ravenscar_EDF)
This profile corresponds to the Ravenscar profile but using
EDF_Across_Priority as the Task_Scheduling_Policy.
@item
Pragma Profile (Restricted)
This profile corresponds to the GNAT restricted run time. It
establishes the following set of restrictions:
@itemize *
@item
@code{No_Abort_Statements}
@item
@code{No_Entry_Queue}
@item
@code{No_Task_Hierarchy}
@item
@code{No_Task_Allocators}
@item
@code{No_Dynamic_Priorities}
@item
@code{No_Terminate_Alternatives}
@item
@code{No_Dynamic_Attachment}
@item
@code{No_Protected_Type_Allocators}
@item
@code{No_Local_Protected_Objects}
@item
@code{No_Requeue_Statements}
@item
@code{No_Task_Attributes_Package}
@item
@code{Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting = 0}
@item
@code{Max_Task_Entries = 0}
@item
@code{Max_Protected_Entries = 1}
@item
@code{Max_Select_Alternatives = 0}
@end itemize
This set of restrictions causes the automatic selection of a simplified
version of the run time that provides improved performance for the
limited set of tasking functionality permitted by this set of restrictions.
@item
Pragma Profile (Rational)
The Rational profile is intended to facilitate porting legacy code that
compiles with the Rational APEX compiler, even when the code includes non-
conforming Ada constructs. The profile enables the following three pragmas:
@itemize *
@item
@code{pragma Implicit_Packing}
@item
@code{pragma Overriding_Renamings}
@item
@code{pragma Use_VADS_Size}
@end itemize
@end itemize
@node Pragma Profile_Warnings,Pragma Propagate_Exceptions,Pragma Profile,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-profile-warnings}@anchor{c3}
@section Pragma Profile_Warnings
Syntax:
@example
pragma Profile_Warnings (Ravenscar | Restricted | Rational);
@end example
This is an implementation-defined pragma that is similar in
effect to @code{pragma Profile} except that instead of
generating @code{Restrictions} pragmas, it generates
@code{Restriction_Warnings} pragmas. The result is that
violations of the profile generate warning messages instead
of error messages.
@node Pragma Propagate_Exceptions,Pragma Provide_Shift_Operators,Pragma Profile_Warnings,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-propagate-exceptions}@anchor{c4}
@section Pragma Propagate_Exceptions
@geindex Interfacing to C++
Syntax:
@example
pragma Propagate_Exceptions;
@end example
This pragma is now obsolete and, other than generating a warning if warnings
on obsolescent features are enabled, is ignored.
It is retained for compatibility
purposes. It used to be used in connection with optimization of
a now-obsolete mechanism for implementation of exceptions.
@node Pragma Provide_Shift_Operators,Pragma Psect_Object,Pragma Propagate_Exceptions,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-provide-shift-operators}@anchor{c5}
@section Pragma Provide_Shift_Operators
@geindex Shift operators
Syntax:
@example
pragma Provide_Shift_Operators (integer_first_subtype_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This pragma can be applied to a first subtype local name that specifies
either an unsigned or signed type. It has the effect of providing the
five shift operators (Shift_Left, Shift_Right, Shift_Right_Arithmetic,
Rotate_Left and Rotate_Right) for the given type. It is similar to
including the function declarations for these five operators, together
with the pragma Import (Intrinsic, …) statements.
@node Pragma Psect_Object,Pragma Pure_Function,Pragma Provide_Shift_Operators,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-psect-object}@anchor{c6}
@section Pragma Psect_Object
Syntax:
@example
pragma Psect_Object (
[Internal =>] LOCAL_NAME,
[, [External =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]
[, [Size =>] EXTERNAL_SYMBOL]);
EXTERNAL_SYMBOL ::=
IDENTIFIER
| static_string_EXPRESSION
@end example
This pragma is identical in effect to pragma @code{Common_Object}.
@node Pragma Pure_Function,Pragma Rational,Pragma Psect_Object,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id31}@anchor{c7}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-pure-function}@anchor{c8}
@section Pragma Pure_Function
Syntax:
@example
pragma Pure_Function ([Entity =>] function_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This pragma appears in the same declarative part as a function
declaration (or a set of function declarations if more than one
overloaded declaration exists, in which case the pragma applies
to all entities). It specifies that the function @code{Entity} is
to be considered pure for the purposes of code generation. This means
that the compiler can assume that there are no side effects, and
in particular that two calls with identical arguments produce the
same result. It also means that the function can be used in an
address clause.
Note that, quite deliberately, there are no static checks to try
to ensure that this promise is met, so @code{Pure_Function} can be used
with functions that are conceptually pure, even if they do modify
global variables. For example, a square root function that is
instrumented to count the number of times it is called is still
conceptually pure, and can still be optimized, even though it
modifies a global variable (the count). Memo functions are another
example (where a table of previous calls is kept and consulted to
avoid re-computation).
Note also that the normal rules excluding optimization of subprograms
in pure units (when parameter types are descended from System.Address,
or when the full view of a parameter type is limited), do not apply
for the Pure_Function case. If you explicitly specify Pure_Function,
the compiler may optimize away calls with identical arguments, and
if that results in unexpected behavior, the proper action is not to
use the pragma for subprograms that are not (conceptually) pure.
Note: Most functions in a @code{Pure} package are automatically pure, and
there is no need to use pragma @code{Pure_Function} for such functions. One
exception is any function that has at least one formal of type
@code{System.Address} or a type derived from it. Such functions are not
considered pure by default, since the compiler assumes that the
@code{Address} parameter may be functioning as a pointer and that the
referenced data may change even if the address value does not.
Similarly, imported functions are not considered to be pure by default,
since there is no way of checking that they are in fact pure. The use
of pragma @code{Pure_Function} for such a function will override these default
assumption, and cause the compiler to treat a designated subprogram as pure
in these cases.
Note: If pragma @code{Pure_Function} is applied to a renamed function, it
applies to the underlying renamed function. This can be used to
disambiguate cases of overloading where some but not all functions
in a set of overloaded functions are to be designated as pure.
If pragma @code{Pure_Function} is applied to a library-level function, the
function is also considered pure from an optimization point of view, but the
unit is not a Pure unit in the categorization sense. So for example, a function
thus marked is free to @code{with} non-pure units.
@node Pragma Rational,Pragma Ravenscar,Pragma Pure_Function,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-rational}@anchor{c9}
@section Pragma Rational
Syntax:
@example
pragma Rational;
@end example
This pragma is considered obsolescent, but is retained for
compatibility purposes. It is equivalent to:
@example
pragma Profile (Rational);
@end example
@node Pragma Ravenscar,Pragma Refined_Depends,Pragma Rational,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-ravenscar}@anchor{ca}
@section Pragma Ravenscar
Syntax:
@example
pragma Ravenscar;
@end example
This pragma is considered obsolescent, but is retained for
compatibility purposes. It is equivalent to:
@example
pragma Profile (Ravenscar);
@end example
which is the preferred method of setting the @code{Ravenscar} profile.
@node Pragma Refined_Depends,Pragma Refined_Global,Pragma Ravenscar,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id32}@anchor{cb}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-refined-depends}@anchor{cc}
@section Pragma Refined_Depends
Syntax:
@example
pragma Refined_Depends (DEPENDENCY_RELATION);
DEPENDENCY_RELATION ::=
null
| (DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE @{, DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE@})
DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE ::=
OUTPUT_LIST =>[+] INPUT_LIST
| NULL_DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE
NULL_DEPENDENCY_CLAUSE ::= null => INPUT_LIST
OUTPUT_LIST ::= OUTPUT | (OUTPUT @{, OUTPUT@})
INPUT_LIST ::= null | INPUT | (INPUT @{, INPUT@})
OUTPUT ::= NAME | FUNCTION_RESULT
INPUT ::= NAME
where FUNCTION_RESULT is a function Result attribute_reference
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Refined_Depends} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 6.1.5.
@node Pragma Refined_Global,Pragma Refined_Post,Pragma Refined_Depends,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id33}@anchor{cd}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-refined-global}@anchor{ce}
@section Pragma Refined_Global
Syntax:
@example
pragma Refined_Global (GLOBAL_SPECIFICATION);
GLOBAL_SPECIFICATION ::=
null
| (GLOBAL_LIST)
| (MODED_GLOBAL_LIST @{, MODED_GLOBAL_LIST@})
MODED_GLOBAL_LIST ::= MODE_SELECTOR => GLOBAL_LIST
MODE_SELECTOR ::= In_Out | Input | Output | Proof_In
GLOBAL_LIST ::= GLOBAL_ITEM | (GLOBAL_ITEM @{, GLOBAL_ITEM@})
GLOBAL_ITEM ::= NAME
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Refined_Global} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 6.1.4.
@node Pragma Refined_Post,Pragma Refined_State,Pragma Refined_Global,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id34}@anchor{cf}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-refined-post}@anchor{d0}
@section Pragma Refined_Post
Syntax:
@example
pragma Refined_Post (boolean_EXPRESSION);
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Refined_Post} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.2.7.
@node Pragma Refined_State,Pragma Relative_Deadline,Pragma Refined_Post,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id35}@anchor{d1}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-refined-state}@anchor{d2}
@section Pragma Refined_State
Syntax:
@example
pragma Refined_State (REFINEMENT_LIST);
REFINEMENT_LIST ::=
(REFINEMENT_CLAUSE @{, REFINEMENT_CLAUSE@})
REFINEMENT_CLAUSE ::= state_NAME => CONSTITUENT_LIST
CONSTITUENT_LIST ::=
null
| CONSTITUENT
| (CONSTITUENT @{, CONSTITUENT@})
CONSTITUENT ::= object_NAME | state_NAME
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Refined_State} in
the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.2.2.
@node Pragma Relative_Deadline,Pragma Remote_Access_Type,Pragma Refined_State,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-relative-deadline}@anchor{d3}
@section Pragma Relative_Deadline
Syntax:
@example
pragma Relative_Deadline (time_span_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2005, but is available in all earlier
versions of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
See Ada 2012 Reference Manual for details.
@node Pragma Remote_Access_Type,Pragma Rename_Pragma,Pragma Relative_Deadline,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id36}@anchor{d4}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-remote-access-type}@anchor{d5}
@section Pragma Remote_Access_Type
Syntax:
@example
pragma Remote_Access_Type ([Entity =>] formal_access_type_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This pragma appears in the formal part of a generic declaration.
It specifies an exception to the RM rule from E.2.2(17/2), which forbids
the use of a remote access to class-wide type as actual for a formal
access type.
When this pragma applies to a formal access type @code{Entity}, that
type is treated as a remote access to class-wide type in the generic.
It must be a formal general access type, and its designated type must
be the class-wide type of a formal tagged limited private type from the
same generic declaration.
In the generic unit, the formal type is subject to all restrictions
pertaining to remote access to class-wide types. At instantiation, the
actual type must be a remote access to class-wide type.
@node Pragma Rename_Pragma,Pragma Restricted_Run_Time,Pragma Remote_Access_Type,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-rename-pragma}@anchor{d6}
@section Pragma Rename_Pragma
@geindex Pragmas
@geindex synonyms
Syntax:
@example
pragma Rename_Pragma (
[New_Name =>] IDENTIFIER,
[Renamed =>] pragma_IDENTIFIER);
@end example
This pragma provides a mechanism for supplying new names for existing
pragmas. The @code{New_Name} identifier can subsequently be used as a synonym for
the Renamed pragma. For example, suppose you have code that was originally
developed on a compiler that supports Inline_Only as an implementation defined
pragma. And suppose the semantics of pragma Inline_Only are identical to (or at
least very similar to) the GNAT implementation defined pragma
Inline_Always. You could globally replace Inline_Only with Inline_Always.
However, to avoid that source modification, you could instead add a
configuration pragma:
@example
pragma Rename_Pragma (
New_Name => Inline_Only,
Renamed => Inline_Always);
@end example
Then GNAT will treat “pragma Inline_Only …” as if you had written
“pragma Inline_Always …”.
Pragma Inline_Only will not necessarily mean the same thing as the other Ada
compiler; it’s up to you to make sure the semantics are close enough.
@node Pragma Restricted_Run_Time,Pragma Restriction_Warnings,Pragma Rename_Pragma,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-restricted-run-time}@anchor{d7}
@section Pragma Restricted_Run_Time
Syntax:
@example
pragma Restricted_Run_Time;
@end example
This pragma is considered obsolescent, but is retained for
compatibility purposes. It is equivalent to:
@example
pragma Profile (Restricted);
@end example
which is the preferred method of setting the restricted run time
profile.
@node Pragma Restriction_Warnings,Pragma Reviewable,Pragma Restricted_Run_Time,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-restriction-warnings}@anchor{d8}
@section Pragma Restriction_Warnings
Syntax:
@example
pragma Restriction_Warnings
(restriction_IDENTIFIER @{, restriction_IDENTIFIER@});
@end example
This pragma allows a series of restriction identifiers to be
specified (the list of allowed identifiers is the same as for
pragma @code{Restrictions}). For each of these identifiers
the compiler checks for violations of the restriction, but
generates a warning message rather than an error message
if the restriction is violated.
One use of this is in situations where you want to know
about violations of a restriction, but you want to ignore some of
these violations. Consider this example, where you want to set
Ada_95 mode and enable style checks, but you want to know about
any other use of implementation pragmas:
@example
pragma Restriction_Warnings (No_Implementation_Pragmas);
pragma Warnings (Off, "violation of No_Implementation_Pragmas");
pragma Ada_95;
pragma Style_Checks ("2bfhkM160");
pragma Warnings (On, "violation of No_Implementation_Pragmas");
@end example
By including the above lines in a configuration pragmas file,
the Ada_95 and Style_Checks pragmas are accepted without
generating a warning, but any other use of implementation
defined pragmas will cause a warning to be generated.
@node Pragma Reviewable,Pragma Secondary_Stack_Size,Pragma Restriction_Warnings,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-reviewable}@anchor{d9}
@section Pragma Reviewable
Syntax:
@example
pragma Reviewable;
@end example
This pragma is an RM-defined standard pragma, but has no effect on the
program being compiled, or on the code generated for the program.
To obtain the required output specified in RM H.3.1, the compiler must be
run with various special switches as follows:
@itemize *
@item
@emph{Where compiler-generated run-time checks remain}
The switch @emph{-gnatGL}
may be used to list the expanded code in pseudo-Ada form.
Runtime checks show up in the listing either as explicit
checks or operators marked with @{@} to indicate a check is present.
@item
@emph{An identification of known exceptions at compile time}
If the program is compiled with @emph{-gnatwa},
the compiler warning messages will indicate all cases where the compiler
detects that an exception is certain to occur at run time.
@item
@emph{Possible reads of uninitialized variables}
The compiler warns of many such cases, but its output is incomplete.
@end itemize
A supplemental static analysis tool
may be used to obtain a comprehensive list of all
possible points at which uninitialized data may be read.
@itemize *
@item
@emph{Where run-time support routines are implicitly invoked}
In the output from @emph{-gnatGL},
run-time calls are explicitly listed as calls to the relevant
run-time routine.
@item
@emph{Object code listing}
This may be obtained either by using the @emph{-S} switch,
or the objdump utility.
@item
@emph{Constructs known to be erroneous at compile time}
These are identified by warnings issued by the compiler (use @emph{-gnatwa}).
@item
@emph{Stack usage information}
Static stack usage data (maximum per-subprogram) can be obtained via the
@emph{-fstack-usage} switch to the compiler.
Dynamic stack usage data (per task) can be obtained via the @emph{-u} switch
to gnatbind
@end itemize
@itemize *
@item
@emph{Object code listing of entire partition}
This can be obtained by compiling the partition with @emph{-S},
or by applying objdump
to all the object files that are part of the partition.
@item
@emph{A description of the run-time model}
The full sources of the run-time are available, and the documentation of
these routines describes how these run-time routines interface to the
underlying operating system facilities.
@item
@emph{Control and data-flow information}
@end itemize
A supplemental static analysis tool
may be used to obtain complete control and data-flow information, as well as
comprehensive messages identifying possible problems based on this
information.
@node Pragma Secondary_Stack_Size,Pragma Share_Generic,Pragma Reviewable,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id37}@anchor{da}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-secondary-stack-size}@anchor{db}
@section Pragma Secondary_Stack_Size
Syntax:
@example
pragma Secondary_Stack_Size (integer_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma appears within the task definition of a single task declaration
or a task type declaration (like pragma @code{Storage_Size}) and applies to all
task objects of that type. The argument specifies the size of the secondary
stack to be used by these task objects, and must be of an integer type. The
secondary stack is used to handle functions that return a variable-sized
result, for example a function returning an unconstrained String.
Note this pragma only applies to targets using fixed secondary stacks, like
VxWorks 653 and bare board targets, where a fixed block for the
secondary stack is allocated from the primary stack of the task. By default,
these targets assign a percentage of the primary stack for the secondary stack,
as defined by @code{System.Parameter.Sec_Stack_Percentage}. With this pragma,
an @code{integer_EXPRESSION} of bytes is assigned from the primary stack instead.
For most targets, the pragma does not apply as the secondary stack grows on
demand: allocated as a chain of blocks in the heap. The default size of these
blocks can be modified via the @code{-D} binder option as described in
@cite{GNAT User’s Guide}.
Note that no check is made to see if the secondary stack can fit inside the
primary stack.
Note the pragma cannot appear when the restriction @code{No_Secondary_Stack}
is in effect.
@node Pragma Share_Generic,Pragma Shared,Pragma Secondary_Stack_Size,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-share-generic}@anchor{dc}
@section Pragma Share_Generic
Syntax:
@example
pragma Share_Generic (GNAME @{, GNAME@});
GNAME ::= generic_unit_NAME | generic_instance_NAME
@end example
This pragma is provided for compatibility with Dec Ada 83. It has
no effect in GNAT (which does not implement shared generics), other
than to check that the given names are all names of generic units or
generic instances.
@node Pragma Shared,Pragma Short_Circuit_And_Or,Pragma Share_Generic,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id38}@anchor{dd}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-shared}@anchor{de}
@section Pragma Shared
This pragma is provided for compatibility with Ada 83. The syntax and
semantics are identical to pragma Atomic.
@node Pragma Short_Circuit_And_Or,Pragma Short_Descriptors,Pragma Shared,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-short-circuit-and-or}@anchor{df}
@section Pragma Short_Circuit_And_Or
Syntax:
@example
pragma Short_Circuit_And_Or;
@end example
This configuration pragma causes any occurrence of the AND operator applied to
operands of type Standard.Boolean to be short-circuited (i.e. the AND operator
is treated as if it were AND THEN). Or is similarly treated as OR ELSE. This
may be useful in the context of certification protocols requiring the use of
short-circuited logical operators. If this configuration pragma occurs locally
within the file being compiled, it applies only to the file being compiled.
There is no requirement that all units in a partition use this option.
@node Pragma Short_Descriptors,Pragma Simple_Storage_Pool_Type,Pragma Short_Circuit_And_Or,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-short-descriptors}@anchor{e0}
@section Pragma Short_Descriptors
Syntax:
@example
pragma Short_Descriptors
@end example
This pragma is provided for compatibility with other Ada implementations. It
is recognized but ignored by all current versions of GNAT.
@node Pragma Simple_Storage_Pool_Type,Pragma Source_File_Name,Pragma Short_Descriptors,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id39}@anchor{e1}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-simple-storage-pool-type}@anchor{e2}
@section Pragma Simple_Storage_Pool_Type
@geindex Storage pool
@geindex simple
@geindex Simple storage pool
Syntax:
@example
pragma Simple_Storage_Pool_Type (type_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
A type can be established as a ‘simple storage pool type’ by applying
the representation pragma @code{Simple_Storage_Pool_Type} to the type.
A type named in the pragma must be a library-level immutably limited record
type or limited tagged type declared immediately within a package declaration.
The type can also be a limited private type whose full type is allowed as
a simple storage pool type.
For a simple storage pool type @code{SSP}, nonabstract primitive subprograms
@code{Allocate}, @code{Deallocate}, and @code{Storage_Size} can be declared that
are subtype conformant with the following subprogram declarations:
@example
procedure Allocate
(Pool : in out SSP;
Storage_Address : out System.Address;
Size_In_Storage_Elements : System.Storage_Elements.Storage_Count;
Alignment : System.Storage_Elements.Storage_Count);
procedure Deallocate
(Pool : in out SSP;
Storage_Address : System.Address;
Size_In_Storage_Elements : System.Storage_Elements.Storage_Count;
Alignment : System.Storage_Elements.Storage_Count);
function Storage_Size (Pool : SSP)
return System.Storage_Elements.Storage_Count;
@end example
Procedure @code{Allocate} must be declared, whereas @code{Deallocate} and
@code{Storage_Size} are optional. If @code{Deallocate} is not declared, then
applying an unchecked deallocation has no effect other than to set its actual
parameter to null. If @code{Storage_Size} is not declared, then the
@code{Storage_Size} attribute applied to an access type associated with
a pool object of type SSP returns zero. Additional operations can be declared
for a simple storage pool type (such as for supporting a mark/release
storage-management discipline).
An object of a simple storage pool type can be associated with an access
type by specifying the attribute
@ref{e3,,Simple_Storage_Pool}. For example:
@example
My_Pool : My_Simple_Storage_Pool_Type;
type Acc is access My_Data_Type;
for Acc'Simple_Storage_Pool use My_Pool;
@end example
See attribute @ref{e3,,Simple_Storage_Pool}
for further details.
@node Pragma Source_File_Name,Pragma Source_File_Name_Project,Pragma Simple_Storage_Pool_Type,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id40}@anchor{e4}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-source-file-name}@anchor{e5}
@section Pragma Source_File_Name
Syntax:
@example
pragma Source_File_Name (
[Unit_Name =>] unit_NAME,
Spec_File_Name => STRING_LITERAL,
[Index => INTEGER_LITERAL]);
pragma Source_File_Name (
[Unit_Name =>] unit_NAME,
Body_File_Name => STRING_LITERAL,
[Index => INTEGER_LITERAL]);
@end example
Use this to override the normal naming convention. It is a configuration
pragma, and so has the usual applicability of configuration pragmas
(i.e., it applies to either an entire partition, or to all units in a
compilation, or to a single unit, depending on how it is used.
@code{unit_name} is mapped to @code{file_name_literal}. The identifier for
the second argument is required, and indicates whether this is the file
name for the spec or for the body.
The optional Index argument should be used when a file contains multiple
units, and when you do not want to use @code{gnatchop} to separate then
into multiple files (which is the recommended procedure to limit the
number of recompilations that are needed when some sources change).
For instance, if the source file @code{source.ada} contains
@example
package B is
...
end B;
with B;
procedure A is
begin
..
end A;
@end example
you could use the following configuration pragmas:
@example
pragma Source_File_Name
(B, Spec_File_Name => "source.ada", Index => 1);
pragma Source_File_Name
(A, Body_File_Name => "source.ada", Index => 2);
@end example
Note that the @code{gnatname} utility can also be used to generate those
configuration pragmas.
Another form of the @code{Source_File_Name} pragma allows
the specification of patterns defining alternative file naming schemes
to apply to all files.
@example
pragma Source_File_Name
( [Spec_File_Name =>] STRING_LITERAL
[,[Casing =>] CASING_SPEC]
[,[Dot_Replacement =>] STRING_LITERAL]);
pragma Source_File_Name
( [Body_File_Name =>] STRING_LITERAL
[,[Casing =>] CASING_SPEC]
[,[Dot_Replacement =>] STRING_LITERAL]);
pragma Source_File_Name
( [Subunit_File_Name =>] STRING_LITERAL
[,[Casing =>] CASING_SPEC]
[,[Dot_Replacement =>] STRING_LITERAL]);
CASING_SPEC ::= Lowercase | Uppercase | Mixedcase
@end example
The first argument is a pattern that contains a single asterisk indicating
the point at which the unit name is to be inserted in the pattern string
to form the file name. The second argument is optional. If present it
specifies the casing of the unit name in the resulting file name string.
The default is lower case. Finally the third argument allows for systematic
replacement of any dots in the unit name by the specified string literal.
Note that Source_File_Name pragmas should not be used if you are using
project files. The reason for this rule is that the project manager is not
aware of these pragmas, and so other tools that use the projet file would not
be aware of the intended naming conventions. If you are using project files,
file naming is controlled by Source_File_Name_Project pragmas, which are
usually supplied automatically by the project manager. A pragma
Source_File_Name cannot appear after a @ref{e6,,Pragma Source_File_Name_Project}.
For more details on the use of the @code{Source_File_Name} pragma, see the
sections on @cite{Using Other File Names} and @cite{Alternative File Naming Schemes}
in the @cite{GNAT User’s Guide}.
@node Pragma Source_File_Name_Project,Pragma Source_Reference,Pragma Source_File_Name,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id41}@anchor{e7}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-source-file-name-project}@anchor{e6}
@section Pragma Source_File_Name_Project
This pragma has the same syntax and semantics as pragma Source_File_Name.
It is only allowed as a stand-alone configuration pragma.
It cannot appear after a @ref{e5,,Pragma Source_File_Name}, and
most importantly, once pragma Source_File_Name_Project appears,
no further Source_File_Name pragmas are allowed.
The intention is that Source_File_Name_Project pragmas are always
generated by the Project Manager in a manner consistent with the naming
specified in a project file, and when naming is controlled in this manner,
it is not permissible to attempt to modify this naming scheme using
Source_File_Name or Source_File_Name_Project pragmas (which would not be
known to the project manager).
@node Pragma Source_Reference,Pragma SPARK_Mode,Pragma Source_File_Name_Project,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-source-reference}@anchor{e8}
@section Pragma Source_Reference
Syntax:
@example
pragma Source_Reference (INTEGER_LITERAL, STRING_LITERAL);
@end example
This pragma must appear as the first line of a source file.
@code{integer_literal} is the logical line number of the line following
the pragma line (for use in error messages and debugging
information). @code{string_literal} is a static string constant that
specifies the file name to be used in error messages and debugging
information. This is most notably used for the output of @code{gnatchop}
with the @emph{-r} switch, to make sure that the original unchopped
source file is the one referred to.
The second argument must be a string literal, it cannot be a static
string expression other than a string literal. This is because its value
is needed for error messages issued by all phases of the compiler.
@node Pragma SPARK_Mode,Pragma Static_Elaboration_Desired,Pragma Source_Reference,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id42}@anchor{e9}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-spark-mode}@anchor{ea}
@section Pragma SPARK_Mode
Syntax:
@example
pragma SPARK_Mode [(On | Off)] ;
@end example
In general a program can have some parts that are in SPARK 2014 (and
follow all the rules in the SPARK Reference Manual), and some parts
that are full Ada 2012.
The SPARK_Mode pragma is used to identify which parts are in SPARK
2014 (by default programs are in full Ada). The SPARK_Mode pragma can
be used in the following places:
@itemize *
@item
As a configuration pragma, in which case it sets the default mode for
all units compiled with this pragma.
@item
Immediately following a library-level subprogram spec
@item
Immediately within a library-level package body
@item
Immediately following the @code{private} keyword of a library-level
package spec
@item
Immediately following the @code{begin} keyword of a library-level
package body
@item
Immediately within a library-level subprogram body
@end itemize
Normally a subprogram or package spec/body inherits the current mode
that is active at the point it is declared. But this can be overridden
by pragma within the spec or body as above.
The basic consistency rule is that you can’t turn SPARK_Mode back
@code{On}, once you have explicitly (with a pragma) turned if
@code{Off}. So the following rules apply:
If a subprogram spec has SPARK_Mode @code{Off}, then the body must
also have SPARK_Mode @code{Off}.
For a package, we have four parts:
@itemize *
@item
the package public declarations
@item
the package private part
@item
the body of the package
@item
the elaboration code after @code{begin}
@end itemize
For a package, the rule is that if you explicitly turn SPARK_Mode
@code{Off} for any part, then all the following parts must have
SPARK_Mode @code{Off}. Note that this may require repeating a pragma
SPARK_Mode (@code{Off}) in the body. For example, if we have a
configuration pragma SPARK_Mode (@code{On}) that turns the mode on by
default everywhere, and one particular package spec has pragma
SPARK_Mode (@code{Off}), then that pragma will need to be repeated in
the package body.
@node Pragma Static_Elaboration_Desired,Pragma Stream_Convert,Pragma SPARK_Mode,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-static-elaboration-desired}@anchor{eb}
@section Pragma Static_Elaboration_Desired
Syntax:
@example
pragma Static_Elaboration_Desired;
@end example
This pragma is used to indicate that the compiler should attempt to initialize
statically the objects declared in the library unit to which the pragma applies,
when these objects are initialized (explicitly or implicitly) by an aggregate.
In the absence of this pragma, aggregates in object declarations are expanded
into assignments and loops, even when the aggregate components are static
constants. When the aggregate is present the compiler builds a static expression
that requires no run-time code, so that the initialized object can be placed in
read-only data space. If the components are not static, or the aggregate has
more that 100 components, the compiler emits a warning that the pragma cannot
be obeyed. (See also the restriction No_Implicit_Loops, which supports static
construction of larger aggregates with static components that include an others
choice.)
@node Pragma Stream_Convert,Pragma Style_Checks,Pragma Static_Elaboration_Desired,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-stream-convert}@anchor{ec}
@section Pragma Stream_Convert
Syntax:
@example
pragma Stream_Convert (
[Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME,
[Read =>] function_NAME,
[Write =>] function_NAME);
@end example
This pragma provides an efficient way of providing user-defined stream
attributes. Not only is it simpler to use than specifying the attributes
directly, but more importantly, it allows the specification to be made in such
a way that the predefined unit Ada.Streams is not loaded unless it is actually
needed (i.e. unless the stream attributes are actually used); the use of
the Stream_Convert pragma adds no overhead at all, unless the stream
attributes are actually used on the designated type.
The first argument specifies the type for which stream functions are
provided. The second parameter provides a function used to read values
of this type. It must name a function whose argument type may be any
subtype, and whose returned type must be the type given as the first
argument to the pragma.
The meaning of the @code{Read} parameter is that if a stream attribute directly
or indirectly specifies reading of the type given as the first parameter,
then a value of the type given as the argument to the Read function is
read from the stream, and then the Read function is used to convert this
to the required target type.
Similarly the @code{Write} parameter specifies how to treat write attributes
that directly or indirectly apply to the type given as the first parameter.
It must have an input parameter of the type specified by the first parameter,
and the return type must be the same as the input type of the Read function.
The effect is to first call the Write function to convert to the given stream
type, and then write the result type to the stream.
The Read and Write functions must not be overloaded subprograms. If necessary
renamings can be supplied to meet this requirement.
The usage of this attribute is best illustrated by a simple example, taken
from the GNAT implementation of package Ada.Strings.Unbounded:
@example
function To_Unbounded (S : String) return Unbounded_String
renames To_Unbounded_String;
pragma Stream_Convert
(Unbounded_String, To_Unbounded, To_String);
@end example
The specifications of the referenced functions, as given in the Ada
Reference Manual are:
@example
function To_Unbounded_String (Source : String)
return Unbounded_String;
function To_String (Source : Unbounded_String)
return String;
@end example
The effect is that if the value of an unbounded string is written to a stream,
then the representation of the item in the stream is in the same format that
would be used for @code{Standard.String'Output}, and this same representation
is expected when a value of this type is read from the stream. Note that the
value written always includes the bounds, even for Unbounded_String’Write,
since Unbounded_String is not an array type.
Note that the @code{Stream_Convert} pragma is not effective in the case of
a derived type of a non-limited tagged type. If such a type is specified then
the pragma is silently ignored, and the default implementation of the stream
attributes is used instead.
@node Pragma Style_Checks,Pragma Subtitle,Pragma Stream_Convert,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-style-checks}@anchor{ed}
@section Pragma Style_Checks
Syntax:
@example
pragma Style_Checks (string_LITERAL | ALL_CHECKS |
On | Off [, LOCAL_NAME]);
@end example
This pragma is used in conjunction with compiler switches to control the
built in style checking provided by GNAT. The compiler switches, if set,
provide an initial setting for the switches, and this pragma may be used
to modify these settings, or the settings may be provided entirely by
the use of the pragma. This pragma can be used anywhere that a pragma
is legal, including use as a configuration pragma (including use in
the @code{gnat.adc} file).
The form with a string literal specifies which style options are to be
activated. These are additive, so they apply in addition to any previously
set style check options. The codes for the options are the same as those
used in the @emph{-gnaty} switch to @emph{gcc} or @emph{gnatmake}.
For example the following two methods can be used to enable
layout checking:
@itemize *
@item
@example
pragma Style_Checks ("l");
@end example
@item
@example
gcc -c -gnatyl ...
@end example
@end itemize
The form @code{ALL_CHECKS} activates all standard checks (its use is equivalent
to the use of the @code{gnaty} switch with no options.
See the @cite{GNAT User’s Guide} for details.)
Note: the behavior is slightly different in GNAT mode (@code{-gnatg} used).
In this case, @code{ALL_CHECKS} implies the standard set of GNAT mode style check
options (i.e. equivalent to @code{-gnatyg}).
The forms with @code{Off} and @code{On}
can be used to temporarily disable style checks
as shown in the following example:
@example
pragma Style_Checks ("k"); -- requires keywords in lower case
pragma Style_Checks (Off); -- turn off style checks
NULL; -- this will not generate an error message
pragma Style_Checks (On); -- turn style checks back on
NULL; -- this will generate an error message
@end example
Finally the two argument form is allowed only if the first argument is
@code{On} or @code{Off}. The effect is to turn of semantic style checks
for the specified entity, as shown in the following example:
@example
pragma Style_Checks ("r"); -- require consistency of identifier casing
Arg : Integer;
Rf1 : Integer := ARG; -- incorrect, wrong case
pragma Style_Checks (Off, Arg);
Rf2 : Integer := ARG; -- OK, no error
@end example
@node Pragma Subtitle,Pragma Suppress,Pragma Style_Checks,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-subtitle}@anchor{ee}
@section Pragma Subtitle
Syntax:
@example
pragma Subtitle ([Subtitle =>] STRING_LITERAL);
@end example
This pragma is recognized for compatibility with other Ada compilers
but is ignored by GNAT.
@node Pragma Suppress,Pragma Suppress_All,Pragma Subtitle,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-suppress}@anchor{ef}
@section Pragma Suppress
Syntax:
@example
pragma Suppress (Identifier [, [On =>] Name]);
@end example
This is a standard pragma, and supports all the check names required in
the RM. It is included here because GNAT recognizes some additional check
names that are implementation defined (as permitted by the RM):
@itemize *
@item
@code{Alignment_Check} can be used to suppress alignment checks
on addresses used in address clauses. Such checks can also be suppressed
by suppressing range checks, but the specific use of @code{Alignment_Check}
allows suppression of alignment checks without suppressing other range checks.
Note that @code{Alignment_Check} is suppressed by default on machines (such as
the x86) with non-strict alignment.
@item
@code{Atomic_Synchronization} can be used to suppress the special memory
synchronization instructions that are normally generated for access to
@code{Atomic} variables to ensure correct synchronization between tasks
that use such variables for synchronization purposes.
@item
@code{Duplicated_Tag_Check} Can be used to suppress the check that is generated
for a duplicated tag value when a tagged type is declared.
@item
@code{Container_Checks} Can be used to suppress all checks within Ada.Containers
and instances of its children, including Tampering_Check.
@item
@code{Tampering_Check} Can be used to suppress tampering check in the containers.
@item
@code{Predicate_Check} can be used to control whether predicate checks are
active. It is applicable only to predicates for which the policy is
@code{Check}. Unlike @code{Assertion_Policy}, which determines if a given
predicate is ignored or checked for the whole program, the use of
@code{Suppress} and @code{Unsuppress} with this check name allows a given
predicate to be turned on and off at specific points in the program.
@item
@code{Validity_Check} can be used specifically to control validity checks.
If @code{Suppress} is used to suppress validity checks, then no validity
checks are performed, including those specified by the appropriate compiler
switch or the @code{Validity_Checks} pragma.
@item
Additional check names previously introduced by use of the @code{Check_Name}
pragma are also allowed.
@end itemize
Note that pragma Suppress gives the compiler permission to omit
checks, but does not require the compiler to omit checks. The compiler
will generate checks if they are essentially free, even when they are
suppressed. In particular, if the compiler can prove that a certain
check will necessarily fail, it will generate code to do an
unconditional ‘raise’, even if checks are suppressed. The compiler
warns in this case.
Of course, run-time checks are omitted whenever the compiler can prove
that they will not fail, whether or not checks are suppressed.
@node Pragma Suppress_All,Pragma Suppress_Debug_Info,Pragma Suppress,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-suppress-all}@anchor{f0}
@section Pragma Suppress_All
Syntax:
@example
pragma Suppress_All;
@end example
This pragma can appear anywhere within a unit.
The effect is to apply @code{Suppress (All_Checks)} to the unit
in which it appears. This pragma is implemented for compatibility with DEC
Ada 83 usage where it appears at the end of a unit, and for compatibility
with Rational Ada, where it appears as a program unit pragma.
The use of the standard Ada pragma @code{Suppress (All_Checks)}
as a normal configuration pragma is the preferred usage in GNAT.
@node Pragma Suppress_Debug_Info,Pragma Suppress_Exception_Locations,Pragma Suppress_All,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id43}@anchor{f1}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-suppress-debug-info}@anchor{f2}
@section Pragma Suppress_Debug_Info
Syntax:
@example
pragma Suppress_Debug_Info ([Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This pragma can be used to suppress generation of debug information
for the specified entity. It is intended primarily for use in debugging
the debugger, and navigating around debugger problems.
@node Pragma Suppress_Exception_Locations,Pragma Suppress_Initialization,Pragma Suppress_Debug_Info,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-suppress-exception-locations}@anchor{f3}
@section Pragma Suppress_Exception_Locations
Syntax:
@example
pragma Suppress_Exception_Locations;
@end example
In normal mode, a raise statement for an exception by default generates
an exception message giving the file name and line number for the location
of the raise. This is useful for debugging and logging purposes, but this
entails extra space for the strings for the messages. The configuration
pragma @code{Suppress_Exception_Locations} can be used to suppress the
generation of these strings, with the result that space is saved, but the
exception message for such raises is null. This configuration pragma may
appear in a global configuration pragma file, or in a specific unit as
usual. It is not required that this pragma be used consistently within
a partition, so it is fine to have some units within a partition compiled
with this pragma and others compiled in normal mode without it.
@node Pragma Suppress_Initialization,Pragma Task_Name,Pragma Suppress_Exception_Locations,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id44}@anchor{f4}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-suppress-initialization}@anchor{f5}
@section Pragma Suppress_Initialization
@geindex Suppressing initialization
@geindex Initialization
@geindex suppression of
Syntax:
@example
pragma Suppress_Initialization ([Entity =>] variable_or_subtype_Name);
@end example
Here variable_or_subtype_Name is the name introduced by a type declaration
or subtype declaration or the name of a variable introduced by an
object declaration.
In the case of a type or subtype
this pragma suppresses any implicit or explicit initialization
for all variables of the given type or subtype,
including initialization resulting from the use of pragmas
Normalize_Scalars or Initialize_Scalars.
This is considered a representation item, so it cannot be given after
the type is frozen. It applies to all subsequent object declarations,
and also any allocator that creates objects of the type.
If the pragma is given for the first subtype, then it is considered
to apply to the base type and all its subtypes. If the pragma is given
for other than a first subtype, then it applies only to the given subtype.
The pragma may not be given after the type is frozen.
Note that this includes eliminating initialization of discriminants
for discriminated types, and tags for tagged types. In these cases,
you will have to use some non-portable mechanism (e.g. address
overlays or unchecked conversion) to achieve required initialization
of these fields before accessing any object of the corresponding type.
For the variable case, implicit initialization for the named variable
is suppressed, just as though its subtype had been given in a pragma
Suppress_Initialization, as described above.
@node Pragma Task_Name,Pragma Task_Storage,Pragma Suppress_Initialization,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-task-name}@anchor{f6}
@section Pragma Task_Name
Syntax
@example
pragma Task_Name (string_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma appears within a task definition (like pragma
@code{Priority}) and applies to the task in which it appears. The
argument must be of type String, and provides a name to be used for
the task instance when the task is created. Note that this expression
is not required to be static, and in particular, it can contain
references to task discriminants. This facility can be used to
provide different names for different tasks as they are created,
as illustrated in the example below.
The task name is recorded internally in the run-time structures
and is accessible to tools like the debugger. In addition the
routine @code{Ada.Task_Identification.Image} will return this
string, with a unique task address appended.
@example
-- Example of the use of pragma Task_Name
with Ada.Task_Identification;
use Ada.Task_Identification;
with Text_IO; use Text_IO;
procedure t3 is
type Astring is access String;
task type Task_Typ (Name : access String) is
pragma Task_Name (Name.all);
end Task_Typ;
task body Task_Typ is
Nam : constant String := Image (Current_Task);
begin
Put_Line ("-->" & Nam (1 .. 14) & "<--");
end Task_Typ;
type Ptr_Task is access Task_Typ;
Task_Var : Ptr_Task;
begin
Task_Var :=
new Task_Typ (new String'("This is task 1"));
Task_Var :=
new Task_Typ (new String'("This is task 2"));
end;
@end example
@node Pragma Task_Storage,Pragma Test_Case,Pragma Task_Name,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-task-storage}@anchor{f7}
@section Pragma Task_Storage
Syntax:
@example
pragma Task_Storage (
[Task_Type =>] LOCAL_NAME,
[Top_Guard =>] static_integer_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This pragma specifies the length of the guard area for tasks. The guard
area is an additional storage area allocated to a task. A value of zero
means that either no guard area is created or a minimal guard area is
created, depending on the target. This pragma can appear anywhere a
@code{Storage_Size} attribute definition clause is allowed for a task
type.
@node Pragma Test_Case,Pragma Thread_Local_Storage,Pragma Task_Storage,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id45}@anchor{f8}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-test-case}@anchor{f9}
@section Pragma Test_Case
@geindex Test cases
Syntax:
@example
pragma Test_Case (
[Name =>] static_string_Expression
,[Mode =>] (Nominal | Robustness)
[, Requires => Boolean_Expression]
[, Ensures => Boolean_Expression]);
@end example
The @code{Test_Case} pragma allows defining fine-grain specifications
for use by testing tools.
The compiler checks the validity of the @code{Test_Case} pragma, but its
presence does not lead to any modification of the code generated by the
compiler.
@code{Test_Case} pragmas may only appear immediately following the
(separate) declaration of a subprogram in a package declaration, inside
a package spec unit. Only other pragmas may intervene (that is appear
between the subprogram declaration and a test case).
The compiler checks that boolean expressions given in @code{Requires} and
@code{Ensures} are valid, where the rules for @code{Requires} are the
same as the rule for an expression in @code{Precondition} and the rules
for @code{Ensures} are the same as the rule for an expression in
@code{Postcondition}. In particular, attributes @code{'Old} and
@code{'Result} can only be used within the @code{Ensures}
expression. The following is an example of use within a package spec:
@example
package Math_Functions is
...
function Sqrt (Arg : Float) return Float;
pragma Test_Case (Name => "Test 1",
Mode => Nominal,
Requires => Arg < 10000.0,
Ensures => Sqrt'Result < 10.0);
...
end Math_Functions;
@end example
The meaning of a test case is that there is at least one context where
@code{Requires} holds such that, if the associated subprogram is executed in
that context, then @code{Ensures} holds when the subprogram returns.
Mode @code{Nominal} indicates that the input context should also satisfy the
precondition of the subprogram, and the output context should also satisfy its
postcondition. Mode @code{Robustness} indicates that the precondition and
postcondition of the subprogram should be ignored for this test case.
@node Pragma Thread_Local_Storage,Pragma Time_Slice,Pragma Test_Case,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id46}@anchor{fa}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-thread-local-storage}@anchor{fb}
@section Pragma Thread_Local_Storage
@geindex Task specific storage
@geindex TLS (Thread Local Storage)
@geindex Task_Attributes
Syntax:
@example
pragma Thread_Local_Storage ([Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This pragma specifies that the specified entity, which must be
a variable declared in a library-level package, is to be marked as
“Thread Local Storage” (@code{TLS}). On systems supporting this (which
include Windows, Solaris, GNU/Linux, and VxWorks 6), this causes each
thread (and hence each Ada task) to see a distinct copy of the variable.
The variable must not have default initialization, and if there is
an explicit initialization, it must be either @code{null} for an
access variable, a static expression for a scalar variable, or a fully
static aggregate for a composite type, that is to say, an aggregate all
of whose components are static, and which does not include packed or
discriminated components.
This provides a low-level mechanism similar to that provided by
the @code{Ada.Task_Attributes} package, but much more efficient
and is also useful in writing interface code that will interact
with foreign threads.
If this pragma is used on a system where @code{TLS} is not supported,
then an error message will be generated and the program will be rejected.
@node Pragma Time_Slice,Pragma Title,Pragma Thread_Local_Storage,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-time-slice}@anchor{fc}
@section Pragma Time_Slice
Syntax:
@example
pragma Time_Slice (static_duration_EXPRESSION);
@end example
For implementations of GNAT on operating systems where it is possible
to supply a time slice value, this pragma may be used for this purpose.
It is ignored if it is used in a system that does not allow this control,
or if it appears in other than the main program unit.
@node Pragma Title,Pragma Type_Invariant,Pragma Time_Slice,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-title}@anchor{fd}
@section Pragma Title
Syntax:
@example
pragma Title (TITLING_OPTION [, TITLING OPTION]);
TITLING_OPTION ::=
[Title =>] STRING_LITERAL,
| [Subtitle =>] STRING_LITERAL
@end example
Syntax checked but otherwise ignored by GNAT. This is a listing control
pragma used in DEC Ada 83 implementations to provide a title and/or
subtitle for the program listing. The program listing generated by GNAT
does not have titles or subtitles.
Unlike other pragmas, the full flexibility of named notation is allowed
for this pragma, i.e., the parameters may be given in any order if named
notation is used, and named and positional notation can be mixed
following the normal rules for procedure calls in Ada.
@node Pragma Type_Invariant,Pragma Type_Invariant_Class,Pragma Title,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-type-invariant}@anchor{fe}
@section Pragma Type_Invariant
Syntax:
@example
pragma Type_Invariant
([Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME,
[Check =>] EXPRESSION);
@end example
The @code{Type_Invariant} pragma is intended to be an exact
replacement for the language-defined @code{Type_Invariant}
aspect, and shares its restrictions and semantics. It differs
from the language defined @code{Invariant} pragma in that it
does not permit a string parameter, and it is
controlled by the assertion identifier @code{Type_Invariant}
rather than @code{Invariant}.
@node Pragma Type_Invariant_Class,Pragma Unchecked_Union,Pragma Type_Invariant,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id47}@anchor{ff}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-type-invariant-class}@anchor{100}
@section Pragma Type_Invariant_Class
Syntax:
@example
pragma Type_Invariant_Class
([Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME,
[Check =>] EXPRESSION);
@end example
The @code{Type_Invariant_Class} pragma is intended to be an exact
replacement for the language-defined @code{Type_Invariant'Class}
aspect, and shares its restrictions and semantics.
Note: This pragma is called @code{Type_Invariant_Class} rather than
@code{Type_Invariant'Class} because the latter would not be strictly
conforming to the allowed syntax for pragmas. The motivation
for providing pragmas equivalent to the aspects is to allow a program
to be written using the pragmas, and then compiled if necessary
using an Ada compiler that does not recognize the pragmas or
aspects, but is prepared to ignore the pragmas. The assertion
policy that controls this pragma is @code{Type_Invariant'Class},
not @code{Type_Invariant_Class}.
@node Pragma Unchecked_Union,Pragma Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old,Pragma Type_Invariant_Class,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unchecked-union}@anchor{101}
@section Pragma Unchecked_Union
@geindex Unions in C
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unchecked_Union (first_subtype_LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This pragma is used to specify a representation of a record type that is
equivalent to a C union. It was introduced as a GNAT implementation defined
pragma in the GNAT Ada 95 mode. Ada 2005 includes an extended version of this
pragma, making it language defined, and GNAT fully implements this extended
version in all language modes (Ada 83, Ada 95, and Ada 2005). For full
details, consult the Ada 2012 Reference Manual, section B.3.3.
@node Pragma Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old,Pragma Unimplemented_Unit,Pragma Unchecked_Union,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unevaluated-use-of-old}@anchor{102}
@section Pragma Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old
@geindex Attribute Old
@geindex Attribute Loop_Entry
@geindex Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old (Error | Warn | Allow);
@end example
This pragma controls the processing of attributes Old and Loop_Entry.
If either of these attributes is used in a potentially unevaluated
expression (e.g. the then or else parts of an if expression), then
normally this usage is considered illegal if the prefix of the attribute
is other than an entity name. The language requires this
behavior for Old, and GNAT copies the same rule for Loop_Entry.
The reason for this rule is that otherwise, we can have a situation
where we save the Old value, and this results in an exception, even
though we might not evaluate the attribute. Consider this example:
@example
package UnevalOld is
K : Character;
procedure U (A : String; C : Boolean) -- ERROR
with Post => (if C then A(1)'Old = K else True);
end;
@end example
If procedure U is called with a string with a lower bound of 2, and
C false, then an exception would be raised trying to evaluate A(1)
on entry even though the value would not be actually used.
Although the rule guarantees against this possibility, it is sometimes
too restrictive. For example if we know that the string has a lower
bound of 1, then we will never raise an exception.
The pragma @code{Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old} can be
used to modify this behavior. If the argument is @code{Error} then an
error is given (this is the default RM behavior). If the argument is
@code{Warn} then the usage is allowed as legal but with a warning
that an exception might be raised. If the argument is @code{Allow}
then the usage is allowed as legal without generating a warning.
This pragma may appear as a configuration pragma, or in a declarative
part or package specification. In the latter case it applies to
uses up to the end of the corresponding statement sequence or
sequence of package declarations.
@node Pragma Unimplemented_Unit,Pragma Universal_Aliasing,Pragma Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unimplemented-unit}@anchor{103}
@section Pragma Unimplemented_Unit
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unimplemented_Unit;
@end example
If this pragma occurs in a unit that is processed by the compiler, GNAT
aborts with the message @code{xxx not implemented}, where
@code{xxx} is the name of the current compilation unit. This pragma is
intended to allow the compiler to handle unimplemented library units in
a clean manner.
The abort only happens if code is being generated. Thus you can use
specs of unimplemented packages in syntax or semantic checking mode.
@node Pragma Universal_Aliasing,Pragma Unmodified,Pragma Unimplemented_Unit,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id48}@anchor{104}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-universal-aliasing}@anchor{105}
@section Pragma Universal_Aliasing
Syntax:
@example
pragma Universal_Aliasing [([Entity =>] type_LOCAL_NAME)];
@end example
@code{type_LOCAL_NAME} must refer to a type declaration in the current
declarative part. The effect is to inhibit strict type-based aliasing
optimization for the given type. In other words, the effect is as though
access types designating this type were subject to pragma No_Strict_Aliasing.
For a detailed description of the strict aliasing optimization, and the
situations in which it must be suppressed, see the section on
@code{Optimization and Strict Aliasing} in the @cite{GNAT User’s Guide}.
@node Pragma Unmodified,Pragma Unreferenced,Pragma Universal_Aliasing,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id49}@anchor{106}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unmodified}@anchor{107}
@section Pragma Unmodified
@geindex Warnings
@geindex unmodified
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unmodified (LOCAL_NAME @{, LOCAL_NAME@});
@end example
This pragma signals that the assignable entities (variables,
@code{out} parameters, @code{in out} parameters) whose names are listed are
deliberately not assigned in the current source unit. This
suppresses warnings about the
entities being referenced but not assigned, and in addition a warning will be
generated if one of these entities is in fact assigned in the
same unit as the pragma (or in the corresponding body, or one
of its subunits).
This is particularly useful for clearly signaling that a particular
parameter is not modified, even though the spec suggests that it might
be.
For the variable case, warnings are never given for unreferenced variables
whose name contains one of the substrings
@code{DISCARD, DUMMY, IGNORE, JUNK, UNUSED} in any casing. Such names
are typically to be used in cases where such warnings are expected.
Thus it is never necessary to use @code{pragma Unmodified} for such
variables, though it is harmless to do so.
@node Pragma Unreferenced,Pragma Unreferenced_Objects,Pragma Unmodified,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id50}@anchor{108}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unreferenced}@anchor{109}
@section Pragma Unreferenced
@geindex Warnings
@geindex unreferenced
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unreferenced (LOCAL_NAME @{, LOCAL_NAME@});
pragma Unreferenced (library_unit_NAME @{, library_unit_NAME@});
@end example
This pragma signals that the entities whose names are listed are
deliberately not referenced in the current source unit after the
occurrence of the pragma. This
suppresses warnings about the
entities being unreferenced, and in addition a warning will be
generated if one of these entities is in fact subsequently referenced in the
same unit as the pragma (or in the corresponding body, or one
of its subunits).
This is particularly useful for clearly signaling that a particular
parameter is not referenced in some particular subprogram implementation
and that this is deliberate. It can also be useful in the case of
objects declared only for their initialization or finalization side
effects.
If @code{LOCAL_NAME} identifies more than one matching homonym in the
current scope, then the entity most recently declared is the one to which
the pragma applies. Note that in the case of accept formals, the pragma
Unreferenced may appear immediately after the keyword @code{do} which
allows the indication of whether or not accept formals are referenced
or not to be given individually for each accept statement.
The left hand side of an assignment does not count as a reference for the
purpose of this pragma. Thus it is fine to assign to an entity for which
pragma Unreferenced is given. However, use of an entity as an actual for
an out parameter does count as a reference unless warnings for unread output
parameters are enabled via @code{-gnatw.o}.
Note that if a warning is desired for all calls to a given subprogram,
regardless of whether they occur in the same unit as the subprogram
declaration, then this pragma should not be used (calls from another
unit would not be flagged); pragma Obsolescent can be used instead
for this purpose, see @ref{ab,,Pragma Obsolescent}.
The second form of pragma @code{Unreferenced} is used within a context
clause. In this case the arguments must be unit names of units previously
mentioned in @code{with} clauses (similar to the usage of pragma
@code{Elaborate_All}. The effect is to suppress warnings about unreferenced
units and unreferenced entities within these units.
For the variable case, warnings are never given for unreferenced variables
whose name contains one of the substrings
@code{DISCARD, DUMMY, IGNORE, JUNK, UNUSED} in any casing. Such names
are typically to be used in cases where such warnings are expected.
Thus it is never necessary to use @code{pragma Unreferenced} for such
variables, though it is harmless to do so.
@node Pragma Unreferenced_Objects,Pragma Unreserve_All_Interrupts,Pragma Unreferenced,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id51}@anchor{10a}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unreferenced-objects}@anchor{10b}
@section Pragma Unreferenced_Objects
@geindex Warnings
@geindex unreferenced
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unreferenced_Objects (local_subtype_NAME @{, local_subtype_NAME@});
@end example
This pragma signals that for the types or subtypes whose names are
listed, objects which are declared with one of these types or subtypes may
not be referenced, and if no references appear, no warnings are given.
This is particularly useful for objects which are declared solely for their
initialization and finalization effect. Such variables are sometimes referred
to as RAII variables (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization). Using this
pragma on the relevant type (most typically a limited controlled type), the
compiler will automatically suppress unwanted warnings about these variables
not being referenced.
@node Pragma Unreserve_All_Interrupts,Pragma Unsuppress,Pragma Unreferenced_Objects,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unreserve-all-interrupts}@anchor{10c}
@section Pragma Unreserve_All_Interrupts
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unreserve_All_Interrupts;
@end example
Normally certain interrupts are reserved to the implementation. Any attempt
to attach an interrupt causes Program_Error to be raised, as described in
RM C.3.2(22). A typical example is the @code{SIGINT} interrupt used in
many systems for a @code{Ctrl-C} interrupt. Normally this interrupt is
reserved to the implementation, so that @code{Ctrl-C} can be used to
interrupt execution.
If the pragma @code{Unreserve_All_Interrupts} appears anywhere in any unit in
a program, then all such interrupts are unreserved. This allows the
program to handle these interrupts, but disables their standard
functions. For example, if this pragma is used, then pressing
@code{Ctrl-C} will not automatically interrupt execution. However,
a program can then handle the @code{SIGINT} interrupt as it chooses.
For a full list of the interrupts handled in a specific implementation,
see the source code for the spec of @code{Ada.Interrupts.Names} in
file @code{a-intnam.ads}. This is a target dependent file that contains the
list of interrupts recognized for a given target. The documentation in
this file also specifies what interrupts are affected by the use of
the @code{Unreserve_All_Interrupts} pragma.
For a more general facility for controlling what interrupts can be
handled, see pragma @code{Interrupt_State}, which subsumes the functionality
of the @code{Unreserve_All_Interrupts} pragma.
@node Pragma Unsuppress,Pragma Use_VADS_Size,Pragma Unreserve_All_Interrupts,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unsuppress}@anchor{10d}
@section Pragma Unsuppress
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unsuppress (IDENTIFIER [, [On =>] NAME]);
@end example
This pragma undoes the effect of a previous pragma @code{Suppress}. If
there is no corresponding pragma @code{Suppress} in effect, it has no
effect. The range of the effect is the same as for pragma
@code{Suppress}. The meaning of the arguments is identical to that used
in pragma @code{Suppress}.
One important application is to ensure that checks are on in cases where
code depends on the checks for its correct functioning, so that the code
will compile correctly even if the compiler switches are set to suppress
checks. For example, in a program that depends on external names of tagged
types and wants to ensure that the duplicated tag check occurs even if all
run-time checks are suppressed by a compiler switch, the following
configuration pragma will ensure this test is not suppressed:
@example
pragma Unsuppress (Duplicated_Tag_Check);
@end example
This pragma is standard in Ada 2005. It is available in all earlier versions
of Ada as an implementation-defined pragma.
Note that in addition to the checks defined in the Ada RM, GNAT recogizes a
number of implementation-defined check names. See the description of pragma
@code{Suppress} for full details.
@node Pragma Use_VADS_Size,Pragma Unused,Pragma Unsuppress,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-use-vads-size}@anchor{10e}
@section Pragma Use_VADS_Size
@geindex Size
@geindex VADS compatibility
@geindex Rational profile
Syntax:
@example
pragma Use_VADS_Size;
@end example
This is a configuration pragma. In a unit to which it applies, any use
of the ‘Size attribute is automatically interpreted as a use of the
‘VADS_Size attribute. Note that this may result in incorrect semantic
processing of valid Ada 95 or Ada 2005 programs. This is intended to aid in
the handling of existing code which depends on the interpretation of Size
as implemented in the VADS compiler. See description of the VADS_Size
attribute for further details.
@node Pragma Unused,Pragma Validity_Checks,Pragma Use_VADS_Size,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id52}@anchor{10f}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-unused}@anchor{110}
@section Pragma Unused
@geindex Warnings
@geindex unused
Syntax:
@example
pragma Unused (LOCAL_NAME @{, LOCAL_NAME@});
@end example
This pragma signals that the assignable entities (variables,
@code{out} parameters, and @code{in out} parameters) whose names are listed
deliberately do not get assigned or referenced in the current source unit
after the occurrence of the pragma in the current source unit. This
suppresses warnings about the entities that are unreferenced and/or not
assigned, and, in addition, a warning will be generated if one of these
entities gets assigned or subsequently referenced in the same unit as the
pragma (in the corresponding body or one of its subunits).
This is particularly useful for clearly signaling that a particular
parameter is not modified or referenced, even though the spec suggests
that it might be.
For the variable case, warnings are never given for unreferenced
variables whose name contains one of the substrings
@code{DISCARD, DUMMY, IGNORE, JUNK, UNUSED} in any casing. Such names
are typically to be used in cases where such warnings are expected.
Thus it is never necessary to use @code{pragma Unmodified} for such
variables, though it is harmless to do so.
@node Pragma Validity_Checks,Pragma Volatile,Pragma Unused,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-validity-checks}@anchor{111}
@section Pragma Validity_Checks
Syntax:
@example
pragma Validity_Checks (string_LITERAL | ALL_CHECKS | On | Off);
@end example
This pragma is used in conjunction with compiler switches to control the
built-in validity checking provided by GNAT. The compiler switches, if set
provide an initial setting for the switches, and this pragma may be used
to modify these settings, or the settings may be provided entirely by
the use of the pragma. This pragma can be used anywhere that a pragma
is legal, including use as a configuration pragma (including use in
the @code{gnat.adc} file).
The form with a string literal specifies which validity options are to be
activated. The validity checks are first set to include only the default
reference manual settings, and then a string of letters in the string
specifies the exact set of options required. The form of this string
is exactly as described for the @emph{-gnatVx} compiler switch (see the
GNAT User’s Guide for details). For example the following two
methods can be used to enable validity checking for mode @code{in} and
@code{in out} subprogram parameters:
@itemize *
@item
@example
pragma Validity_Checks ("im");
@end example
@item
@example
$ gcc -c -gnatVim ...
@end example
@end itemize
The form ALL_CHECKS activates all standard checks (its use is equivalent
to the use of the @code{gnatVa} switch).
The forms with @code{Off} and @code{On} can be used to temporarily disable
validity checks as shown in the following example:
@example
pragma Validity_Checks ("c"); -- validity checks for copies
pragma Validity_Checks (Off); -- turn off validity checks
A := B; -- B will not be validity checked
pragma Validity_Checks (On); -- turn validity checks back on
A := C; -- C will be validity checked
@end example
@node Pragma Volatile,Pragma Volatile_Full_Access,Pragma Validity_Checks,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id53}@anchor{112}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-volatile}@anchor{113}
@section Pragma Volatile
Syntax:
@example
pragma Volatile (LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This pragma is defined by the Ada Reference Manual, and the GNAT
implementation is fully conformant with this definition. The reason it
is mentioned in this section is that a pragma of the same name was supplied
in some Ada 83 compilers, including DEC Ada 83. The Ada 95 / Ada 2005
implementation of pragma Volatile is upwards compatible with the
implementation in DEC Ada 83.
@node Pragma Volatile_Full_Access,Pragma Volatile_Function,Pragma Volatile,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id54}@anchor{114}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-volatile-full-access}@anchor{115}
@section Pragma Volatile_Full_Access
Syntax:
@example
pragma Volatile_Full_Access (LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
This is similar in effect to pragma Volatile, except that any reference to the
object is guaranteed to be done only with instructions that read or write all
the bits of the object. Furthermore, if the object is of a composite type,
then any reference to a subcomponent of the object is guaranteed to read
and/or write all the bits of the object.
The intention is that this be suitable for use with memory-mapped I/O devices
on some machines. Note that there are two important respects in which this is
different from @code{pragma Atomic}. First a reference to a @code{Volatile_Full_Access}
object is not a sequential action in the RM 9.10 sense and, therefore, does
not create a synchronization point. Second, in the case of @code{pragma Atomic},
there is no guarantee that all the bits will be accessed if the reference
is not to the whole object; the compiler is allowed (and generally will)
access only part of the object in this case.
@node Pragma Volatile_Function,Pragma Warning_As_Error,Pragma Volatile_Full_Access,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id55}@anchor{116}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-volatile-function}@anchor{117}
@section Pragma Volatile_Function
Syntax:
@example
pragma Volatile_Function [ (boolean_EXPRESSION) ];
@end example
For the semantics of this pragma, see the entry for aspect @code{Volatile_Function}
in the SPARK 2014 Reference Manual, section 7.1.2.
@node Pragma Warning_As_Error,Pragma Warnings,Pragma Volatile_Function,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-warning-as-error}@anchor{118}
@section Pragma Warning_As_Error
Syntax:
@example
pragma Warning_As_Error (static_string_EXPRESSION);
@end example
This configuration pragma allows the programmer to specify a set
of warnings that will be treated as errors. Any warning that
matches the pattern given by the pragma argument will be treated
as an error. This gives more precise control than -gnatwe,
which treats warnings as errors.
This pragma can apply to regular warnings (messages enabled by -gnatw)
and to style warnings (messages that start with “(style)”,
enabled by -gnaty).
The pattern may contain asterisks, which match zero or more characters
in the message. For example, you can use @code{pragma Warning_As_Error
("bits of*unused")} to treat the warning message @code{warning: 960 bits of
"a" unused} as an error. All characters other than asterisk are treated
as literal characters in the match. The match is case insensitive; for
example XYZ matches xyz.
Note that the pattern matches if it occurs anywhere within the warning
message string (it is not necessary to put an asterisk at the start and
the end of the message, since this is implied).
Another possibility for the static_string_EXPRESSION which works whether
or not error tags are enabled (@emph{-gnatw.d}) is to use a single
@emph{-gnatw} tag string, enclosed in brackets,
as shown in the example below, to treat one category of warnings as errors.
Note that if you want to treat multiple categories of warnings as errors,
you can use multiple pragma Warning_As_Error.
The above use of patterns to match the message applies only to warning
messages generated by the front end. This pragma can also be applied to
warnings provided by the back end and mentioned in @ref{119,,Pragma Warnings}.
By using a single full @emph{-Wxxx} switch in the pragma, such warnings
can also be treated as errors.
The pragma can appear either in a global configuration pragma file
(e.g. @code{gnat.adc}), or at the start of a file. Given a global
configuration pragma file containing:
@example
pragma Warning_As_Error ("[-gnatwj]");
@end example
which will treat all obsolescent feature warnings as errors, the
following program compiles as shown (compile options here are
@emph{-gnatwa.d -gnatl -gnatj55}).
@example
1. pragma Warning_As_Error ("*never assigned*");
2. function Warnerr return String is
3. X : Integer;
|
>>> error: variable "X" is never read and
never assigned [-gnatwv] [warning-as-error]
4. Y : Integer;
|
>>> warning: variable "Y" is assigned but
never read [-gnatwu]
5. begin
6. Y := 0;
7. return %ABC%;
|
>>> error: use of "%" is an obsolescent
feature (RM J.2(4)), use """ instead
[-gnatwj] [warning-as-error]
8. end;
8 lines: No errors, 3 warnings (2 treated as errors)
@end example
Note that this pragma does not affect the set of warnings issued in
any way, it merely changes the effect of a matching warning if one
is produced as a result of other warnings options. As shown in this
example, if the pragma results in a warning being treated as an error,
the tag is changed from “warning:” to “error:” and the string
“[warning-as-error]” is appended to the end of the message.
@node Pragma Warnings,Pragma Weak_External,Pragma Warning_As_Error,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas id56}@anchor{11a}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-warnings}@anchor{119}
@section Pragma Warnings
Syntax:
@example
pragma Warnings ([TOOL_NAME,] DETAILS [, REASON]);
DETAILS ::= On | Off
DETAILS ::= On | Off, local_NAME
DETAILS ::= static_string_EXPRESSION
DETAILS ::= On | Off, static_string_EXPRESSION
TOOL_NAME ::= GNAT | GNATprove
REASON ::= Reason => STRING_LITERAL @{& STRING_LITERAL@}
@end example
Note: in Ada 83 mode, a string literal may be used in place of a static string
expression (which does not exist in Ada 83).
Note if the second argument of @code{DETAILS} is a @code{local_NAME} then the
second form is always understood. If the intention is to use
the fourth form, then you can write @code{NAME & ""} to force the
intepretation as a @emph{static_string_EXPRESSION}.
Note: if the first argument is a valid @code{TOOL_NAME}, it will be interpreted
that way. The use of the @code{TOOL_NAME} argument is relevant only to users
of SPARK and GNATprove, see last part of this section for details.
Normally warnings are enabled, with the output being controlled by
the command line switch. Warnings (@code{Off}) turns off generation of
warnings until a Warnings (@code{On}) is encountered or the end of the
current unit. If generation of warnings is turned off using this
pragma, then some or all of the warning messages are suppressed,
regardless of the setting of the command line switches.
The @code{Reason} parameter may optionally appear as the last argument
in any of the forms of this pragma. It is intended purely for the
purposes of documenting the reason for the @code{Warnings} pragma.
The compiler will check that the argument is a static string but
otherwise ignore this argument. Other tools may provide specialized
processing for this string.
The form with a single argument (or two arguments if Reason present),
where the first argument is @code{ON} or @code{OFF}
may be used as a configuration pragma.
If the @code{LOCAL_NAME} parameter is present, warnings are suppressed for
the specified entity. This suppression is effective from the point where
it occurs till the end of the extended scope of the variable (similar to
the scope of @code{Suppress}). This form cannot be used as a configuration
pragma.
In the case where the first argument is other than @code{ON} or
@code{OFF},
the third form with a single static_string_EXPRESSION argument (and possible
reason) provides more precise
control over which warnings are active. The string is a list of letters
specifying which warnings are to be activated and which deactivated. The
code for these letters is the same as the string used in the command
line switch controlling warnings. For a brief summary, use the gnatmake
command with no arguments, which will generate usage information containing
the list of warnings switches supported. For
full details see the section on @code{Warning Message Control} in the
@cite{GNAT User’s Guide}.
This form can also be used as a configuration pragma.
The warnings controlled by the @code{-gnatw} switch are generated by the
front end of the compiler. The GCC back end can provide additional warnings
and they are controlled by the @code{-W} switch. Such warnings can be
identified by the appearance of a string of the form @code{[-W@{xxx@}]} in the
message which designates the @code{-W@emph{xxx}} switch that controls the message.
The form with a single @emph{static_string_EXPRESSION} argument also works for these
warnings, but the string must be a single full @code{-W@emph{xxx}} switch in this
case. The above reference lists a few examples of these additional warnings.
The specified warnings will be in effect until the end of the program
or another pragma @code{Warnings} is encountered. The effect of the pragma is
cumulative. Initially the set of warnings is the standard default set
as possibly modified by compiler switches. Then each pragma Warning
modifies this set of warnings as specified. This form of the pragma may
also be used as a configuration pragma.
The fourth form, with an @code{On|Off} parameter and a string, is used to
control individual messages, based on their text. The string argument
is a pattern that is used to match against the text of individual
warning messages (not including the initial “warning: ” tag).
The pattern may contain asterisks, which match zero or more characters in
the message. For example, you can use
@code{pragma Warnings (Off, "bits of*unused")} to suppress the warning
message @code{warning: 960 bits of "a" unused}. No other regular
expression notations are permitted. All characters other than asterisk in
these three specific cases are treated as literal characters in the match.
The match is case insensitive, for example XYZ matches xyz.
Note that the pattern matches if it occurs anywhere within the warning
message string (it is not necessary to put an asterisk at the start and
the end of the message, since this is implied).
The above use of patterns to match the message applies only to warning
messages generated by the front end. This form of the pragma with a string
argument can also be used to control warnings provided by the back end and
mentioned above. By using a single full @code{-W@emph{xxx}} switch in the pragma,
such warnings can be turned on and off.
There are two ways to use the pragma in this form. The OFF form can be used
as a configuration pragma. The effect is to suppress all warnings (if any)
that match the pattern string throughout the compilation (or match the
-W switch in the back end case).
The second usage is to suppress a warning locally, and in this case, two
pragmas must appear in sequence:
@example
pragma Warnings (Off, Pattern);
... code where given warning is to be suppressed
pragma Warnings (On, Pattern);
@end example
In this usage, the pattern string must match in the Off and On
pragmas, and (if @emph{-gnatw.w} is given) at least one matching
warning must be suppressed.
Note: if the ON form is not found, then the effect of the OFF form extends
until the end of the file (pragma Warnings is purely textual, so its effect
does not stop at the end of the enclosing scope).
Note: to write a string that will match any warning, use the string
@code{"***"}. It will not work to use a single asterisk or two
asterisks since this looks like an operator name. This form with three
asterisks is similar in effect to specifying @code{pragma Warnings (Off)} except (if @code{-gnatw.w} is given) that a matching
@code{pragma Warnings (On, "***")} will be required. This can be
helpful in avoiding forgetting to turn warnings back on.
Note: the debug flag @code{-gnatd.i} can be
used to cause the compiler to entirely ignore all WARNINGS pragmas. This can
be useful in checking whether obsolete pragmas in existing programs are hiding
real problems.
Note: pragma Warnings does not affect the processing of style messages. See
separate entry for pragma Style_Checks for control of style messages.
Users of the formal verification tool GNATprove for the SPARK subset of Ada may
use the version of the pragma with a @code{TOOL_NAME} parameter.
If present, @code{TOOL_NAME} is the name of a tool, currently either @code{GNAT} for the
compiler or @code{GNATprove} for the formal verification tool. A given tool only
takes into account pragma Warnings that do not specify a tool name, or that
specify the matching tool name. This makes it possible to disable warnings
selectively for each tool, and as a consequence to detect useless pragma
Warnings with switch @code{-gnatw.w}.
@node Pragma Weak_External,Pragma Wide_Character_Encoding,Pragma Warnings,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-weak-external}@anchor{11b}
@section Pragma Weak_External
Syntax:
@example
pragma Weak_External ([Entity =>] LOCAL_NAME);
@end example
@code{LOCAL_NAME} must refer to an object that is declared at the library
level. This pragma specifies that the given entity should be marked as a
weak symbol for the linker. It is equivalent to @code{__attribute__((weak))}
in GNU C and causes @code{LOCAL_NAME} to be emitted as a weak symbol instead
of a regular symbol, that is to say a symbol that does not have to be
resolved by the linker if used in conjunction with a pragma Import.
When a weak symbol is not resolved by the linker, its address is set to
zero. This is useful in writing interfaces to external modules that may
or may not be linked in the final executable, for example depending on
configuration settings.
If a program references at run time an entity to which this pragma has been
applied, and the corresponding symbol was not resolved at link time, then
the execution of the program is erroneous. It is not erroneous to take the
Address of such an entity, for example to guard potential references,
as shown in the example below.
Some file formats do not support weak symbols so not all target machines
support this pragma.
@example
-- Example of the use of pragma Weak_External
package External_Module is
key : Integer;
pragma Import (C, key);
pragma Weak_External (key);
function Present return boolean;
end External_Module;
with System; use System;
package body External_Module is
function Present return boolean is
begin
return key'Address /= System.Null_Address;
end Present;
end External_Module;
@end example
@node Pragma Wide_Character_Encoding,,Pragma Weak_External,Implementation Defined Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_pragmas pragma-wide-character-encoding}@anchor{11c}
@section Pragma Wide_Character_Encoding
Syntax:
@example
pragma Wide_Character_Encoding (IDENTIFIER | CHARACTER_LITERAL);
@end example
This pragma specifies the wide character encoding to be used in program
source text appearing subsequently. It is a configuration pragma, but may
also be used at any point that a pragma is allowed, and it is permissible
to have more than one such pragma in a file, allowing multiple encodings
to appear within the same file.
However, note that the pragma cannot immediately precede the relevant
wide character, because then the previous encoding will still be in
effect, causing “illegal character” errors.
The argument can be an identifier or a character literal. In the identifier
case, it is one of @code{HEX}, @code{UPPER}, @code{SHIFT_JIS},
@code{EUC}, @code{UTF8}, or @code{BRACKETS}. In the character literal
case it is correspondingly one of the characters @code{h}, @code{u},
@code{s}, @code{e}, @code{8}, or @code{b}.
Note that when the pragma is used within a file, it affects only the
encoding within that file, and does not affect withed units, specs,
or subunits.
@node Implementation Defined Aspects,Implementation Defined Attributes,Implementation Defined Pragmas,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects doc}@anchor{11d}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects id1}@anchor{11e}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects implementation-defined-aspects}@anchor{11f}
@chapter Implementation Defined Aspects
Ada defines (throughout the Ada 2012 reference manual, summarized
in Annex K) a set of aspects that can be specified for certain entities.
These language defined aspects are implemented in GNAT in Ada 2012 mode
and work as described in the Ada 2012 Reference Manual.
In addition, Ada 2012 allows implementations to define additional aspects
whose meaning is defined by the implementation. GNAT provides
a number of these implementation-defined aspects which can be used
to extend and enhance the functionality of the compiler. This section of
the GNAT reference manual describes these additional aspects.
Note that any program using these aspects may not be portable to
other compilers (although GNAT implements this set of aspects on all
platforms). Therefore if portability to other compilers is an important
consideration, you should minimize the use of these aspects.
Note that for many of these aspects, the effect is essentially similar
to the use of a pragma or attribute specification with the same name
applied to the entity. For example, if we write:
@example
type R is range 1 .. 100
with Value_Size => 10;
@end example
then the effect is the same as:
@example
type R is range 1 .. 100;
for R'Value_Size use 10;
@end example
and if we write:
@example
type R is new Integer
with Shared => True;
@end example
then the effect is the same as:
@example
type R is new Integer;
pragma Shared (R);
@end example
In the documentation below, such cases are simply marked
as being boolean aspects equivalent to the corresponding pragma
or attribute definition clause.
@menu
* Aspect Abstract_State::
* Aspect Annotate::
* Aspect Async_Readers::
* Aspect Async_Writers::
* Aspect Constant_After_Elaboration::
* Aspect Contract_Cases::
* Aspect Depends::
* Aspect Default_Initial_Condition::
* Aspect Dimension::
* Aspect Dimension_System::
* Aspect Disable_Controlled::
* Aspect Effective_Reads::
* Aspect Effective_Writes::
* Aspect Extensions_Visible::
* Aspect Favor_Top_Level::
* Aspect Ghost::
* Aspect Global::
* Aspect Initial_Condition::
* Aspect Initializes::
* Aspect Inline_Always::
* Aspect Invariant::
* Aspect Invariant’Class::
* Aspect Iterable::
* Aspect Linker_Section::
* Aspect Lock_Free::
* Aspect Max_Queue_Length::
* Aspect No_Caching::
* Aspect No_Elaboration_Code_All::
* Aspect No_Inline::
* Aspect No_Tagged_Streams::
* Aspect No_Task_Parts::
* Aspect Object_Size::
* Aspect Obsolescent::
* Aspect Part_Of::
* Aspect Persistent_BSS::
* Aspect Predicate::
* Aspect Pure_Function::
* Aspect Refined_Depends::
* Aspect Refined_Global::
* Aspect Refined_Post::
* Aspect Refined_State::
* Aspect Relaxed_Initialization::
* Aspect Remote_Access_Type::
* Aspect Secondary_Stack_Size::
* Aspect Scalar_Storage_Order::
* Aspect Shared::
* Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool::
* Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool_Type::
* Aspect SPARK_Mode::
* Aspect Suppress_Debug_Info::
* Aspect Suppress_Initialization::
* Aspect Test_Case::
* Aspect Thread_Local_Storage::
* Aspect Universal_Aliasing::
* Aspect Unmodified::
* Aspect Unreferenced::
* Aspect Unreferenced_Objects::
* Aspect Value_Size::
* Aspect Volatile_Full_Access::
* Aspect Volatile_Function::
* Aspect Warnings::
@end menu
@node Aspect Abstract_State,Aspect Annotate,,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-abstract-state}@anchor{120}
@section Aspect Abstract_State
@geindex Abstract_State
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{1e,,pragma Abstract_State}.
@node Aspect Annotate,Aspect Async_Readers,Aspect Abstract_State,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-annotate}@anchor{121}
@section Aspect Annotate
@geindex Annotate
There are three forms of this aspect (where ID is an identifier,
and ARG is a general expression),
corresponding to @ref{28,,pragma Annotate}.
@table @asis
@item @emph{Annotate => ID}
Equivalent to @code{pragma Annotate (ID, Entity => Name);}
@item @emph{Annotate => (ID)}
Equivalent to @code{pragma Annotate (ID, Entity => Name);}
@item @emph{Annotate => (ID ,ID @{, ARG@})}
Equivalent to @code{pragma Annotate (ID, ID @{, ARG@}, Entity => Name);}
@end table
@node Aspect Async_Readers,Aspect Async_Writers,Aspect Annotate,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-async-readers}@anchor{122}
@section Aspect Async_Readers
@geindex Async_Readers
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{2f,,pragma Async_Readers}.
@node Aspect Async_Writers,Aspect Constant_After_Elaboration,Aspect Async_Readers,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-async-writers}@anchor{123}
@section Aspect Async_Writers
@geindex Async_Writers
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{31,,pragma Async_Writers}.
@node Aspect Constant_After_Elaboration,Aspect Contract_Cases,Aspect Async_Writers,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-constant-after-elaboration}@anchor{124}
@section Aspect Constant_After_Elaboration
@geindex Constant_After_Elaboration
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{41,,pragma Constant_After_Elaboration}.
@node Aspect Contract_Cases,Aspect Depends,Aspect Constant_After_Elaboration,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-contract-cases}@anchor{125}
@section Aspect Contract_Cases
@geindex Contract_Cases
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{43,,pragma Contract_Cases}, the sequence
of clauses being enclosed in parentheses so that syntactically it is an
aggregate.
@node Aspect Depends,Aspect Default_Initial_Condition,Aspect Contract_Cases,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-depends}@anchor{126}
@section Aspect Depends
@geindex Depends
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{53,,pragma Depends}.
@node Aspect Default_Initial_Condition,Aspect Dimension,Aspect Depends,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-default-initial-condition}@anchor{127}
@section Aspect Default_Initial_Condition
@geindex Default_Initial_Condition
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{4d,,pragma Default_Initial_Condition}.
@node Aspect Dimension,Aspect Dimension_System,Aspect Default_Initial_Condition,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-dimension}@anchor{128}
@section Aspect Dimension
@geindex Dimension
The @code{Dimension} aspect is used to specify the dimensions of a given
subtype of a dimensioned numeric type. The aspect also specifies a symbol
used when doing formatted output of dimensioned quantities. The syntax is:
@example
with Dimension =>
([Symbol =>] SYMBOL, DIMENSION_VALUE @{, DIMENSION_Value@})
SYMBOL ::= STRING_LITERAL | CHARACTER_LITERAL
DIMENSION_VALUE ::=
RATIONAL
| others => RATIONAL
| DISCRETE_CHOICE_LIST => RATIONAL
RATIONAL ::= [-] NUMERIC_LITERAL [/ NUMERIC_LITERAL]
@end example
This aspect can only be applied to a subtype whose parent type has
a @code{Dimension_System} aspect. The aspect must specify values for
all dimensions of the system. The rational values are the powers of the
corresponding dimensions that are used by the compiler to verify that
physical (numeric) computations are dimensionally consistent. For example,
the computation of a force must result in dimensions (L => 1, M => 1, T => -2).
For further examples of the usage
of this aspect, see package @code{System.Dim.Mks}.
Note that when the dimensioned type is an integer type, then any
dimension value must be an integer literal.
@node Aspect Dimension_System,Aspect Disable_Controlled,Aspect Dimension,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-dimension-system}@anchor{129}
@section Aspect Dimension_System
@geindex Dimension_System
The @code{Dimension_System} aspect is used to define a system of
dimensions that will be used in subsequent subtype declarations with
@code{Dimension} aspects that reference this system. The syntax is:
@example
with Dimension_System => (DIMENSION @{, DIMENSION@});
DIMENSION ::= ([Unit_Name =>] IDENTIFIER,
[Unit_Symbol =>] SYMBOL,
[Dim_Symbol =>] SYMBOL)
SYMBOL ::= CHARACTER_LITERAL | STRING_LITERAL
@end example
This aspect is applied to a type, which must be a numeric derived type
(typically a floating-point type), that
will represent values within the dimension system. Each @code{DIMENSION}
corresponds to one particular dimension. A maximum of 7 dimensions may
be specified. @code{Unit_Name} is the name of the dimension (for example
@code{Meter}). @code{Unit_Symbol} is the shorthand used for quantities
of this dimension (for example @code{m} for @code{Meter}).
@code{Dim_Symbol} gives
the identification within the dimension system (typically this is a
single letter, e.g. @code{L} standing for length for unit name @code{Meter}).
The @code{Unit_Symbol} is used in formatted output of dimensioned quantities.
The @code{Dim_Symbol} is used in error messages when numeric operations have
inconsistent dimensions.
GNAT provides the standard definition of the International MKS system in
the run-time package @code{System.Dim.Mks}. You can easily define
similar packages for cgs units or British units, and define conversion factors
between values in different systems. The MKS system is characterized by the
following aspect:
@example
type Mks_Type is new Long_Long_Float with
Dimension_System => (
(Unit_Name => Meter, Unit_Symbol => 'm', Dim_Symbol => 'L'),
(Unit_Name => Kilogram, Unit_Symbol => "kg", Dim_Symbol => 'M'),
(Unit_Name => Second, Unit_Symbol => 's', Dim_Symbol => 'T'),
(Unit_Name => Ampere, Unit_Symbol => 'A', Dim_Symbol => 'I'),
(Unit_Name => Kelvin, Unit_Symbol => 'K', Dim_Symbol => '@@'),
(Unit_Name => Mole, Unit_Symbol => "mol", Dim_Symbol => 'N'),
(Unit_Name => Candela, Unit_Symbol => "cd", Dim_Symbol => 'J'));
@end example
Note that in the above type definition, we use the @code{at} symbol (@code{@@}) to
represent a theta character (avoiding the use of extended Latin-1
characters in this context).
See section ‘Performing Dimensionality Analysis in GNAT’ in the GNAT Users
Guide for detailed examples of use of the dimension system.
@node Aspect Disable_Controlled,Aspect Effective_Reads,Aspect Dimension_System,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-disable-controlled}@anchor{12a}
@section Aspect Disable_Controlled
@geindex Disable_Controlled
The aspect @code{Disable_Controlled} is defined for controlled record types. If
active, this aspect causes suppression of all related calls to @code{Initialize},
@code{Adjust}, and @code{Finalize}. The intended use is for conditional compilation,
where for example you might want a record to be controlled or not depending on
whether some run-time check is enabled or suppressed.
@node Aspect Effective_Reads,Aspect Effective_Writes,Aspect Disable_Controlled,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-effective-reads}@anchor{12b}
@section Aspect Effective_Reads
@geindex Effective_Reads
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{58,,pragma Effective_Reads}.
@node Aspect Effective_Writes,Aspect Extensions_Visible,Aspect Effective_Reads,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-effective-writes}@anchor{12c}
@section Aspect Effective_Writes
@geindex Effective_Writes
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{5a,,pragma Effective_Writes}.
@node Aspect Extensions_Visible,Aspect Favor_Top_Level,Aspect Effective_Writes,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-extensions-visible}@anchor{12d}
@section Aspect Extensions_Visible
@geindex Extensions_Visible
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{65,,pragma Extensions_Visible}.
@node Aspect Favor_Top_Level,Aspect Ghost,Aspect Extensions_Visible,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-favor-top-level}@anchor{12e}
@section Aspect Favor_Top_Level
@geindex Favor_Top_Level
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{6a,,pragma Favor_Top_Level}.
@node Aspect Ghost,Aspect Global,Aspect Favor_Top_Level,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-ghost}@anchor{12f}
@section Aspect Ghost
@geindex Ghost
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{6e,,pragma Ghost}.
@node Aspect Global,Aspect Initial_Condition,Aspect Ghost,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-global}@anchor{130}
@section Aspect Global
@geindex Global
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{70,,pragma Global}.
@node Aspect Initial_Condition,Aspect Initializes,Aspect Global,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-initial-condition}@anchor{131}
@section Aspect Initial_Condition
@geindex Initial_Condition
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{7d,,pragma Initial_Condition}.
@node Aspect Initializes,Aspect Inline_Always,Aspect Initial_Condition,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-initializes}@anchor{132}
@section Aspect Initializes
@geindex Initializes
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{80,,pragma Initializes}.
@node Aspect Inline_Always,Aspect Invariant,Aspect Initializes,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-inline-always}@anchor{133}
@section Aspect Inline_Always
@geindex Inline_Always
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{82,,pragma Inline_Always}.
@node Aspect Invariant,Aspect Invariant’Class,Aspect Inline_Always,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-invariant}@anchor{134}
@section Aspect Invariant
@geindex Invariant
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{89,,pragma Invariant}. It is a
synonym for the language defined aspect @code{Type_Invariant} except
that it is separately controllable using pragma @code{Assertion_Policy}.
@node Aspect Invariant’Class,Aspect Iterable,Aspect Invariant,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-invariant-class}@anchor{135}
@section Aspect Invariant’Class
@geindex Invariant'Class
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{100,,pragma Type_Invariant_Class}. It is a
synonym for the language defined aspect @code{Type_Invariant'Class} except
that it is separately controllable using pragma @code{Assertion_Policy}.
@node Aspect Iterable,Aspect Linker_Section,Aspect Invariant’Class,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-iterable}@anchor{136}
@section Aspect Iterable
@geindex Iterable
This aspect provides a light-weight mechanism for loops and quantified
expressions over container types, without the overhead imposed by the tampering
checks of standard Ada 2012 iterators. The value of the aspect is an aggregate
with six named components, of which the last three are optional: @code{First},
@code{Next}, @code{Has_Element}, @code{Element}, @code{Last}, and @code{Previous}.
When only the first three components are specified, only the
@code{for .. in} form of iteration over cursors is available. When @code{Element}
is specified, both this form and the @code{for .. of} form of iteration over
elements are available. If the last two components are specified, reverse
iterations over the container can be specified (analogous to what can be done
over predefined containers that support the @code{Reverse_Iterator} interface).
The following is a typical example of use:
@example
type List is private with
Iterable => (First => First_Cursor,
Next => Advance,
Has_Element => Cursor_Has_Element,
[Element => Get_Element]);
@end example
@itemize *
@item
The value denoted by @code{First} must denote a primitive operation of the
container type that returns a @code{Cursor}, which must a be a type declared in
the container package or visible from it. For example:
@end itemize
@example
function First_Cursor (Cont : Container) return Cursor;
@end example
@itemize *
@item
The value of @code{Next} is a primitive operation of the container type that takes
both a container and a cursor and yields a cursor. For example:
@end itemize
@example
function Advance (Cont : Container; Position : Cursor) return Cursor;
@end example
@itemize *
@item
The value of @code{Has_Element} is a primitive operation of the container type
that takes both a container and a cursor and yields a boolean. For example:
@end itemize
@example
function Cursor_Has_Element (Cont : Container; Position : Cursor) return Boolean;
@end example
@itemize *
@item
The value of @code{Element} is a primitive operation of the container type that
takes both a container and a cursor and yields an @code{Element_Type}, which must
be a type declared in the container package or visible from it. For example:
@end itemize
@example
function Get_Element (Cont : Container; Position : Cursor) return Element_Type;
@end example
This aspect is used in the GNAT-defined formal container packages.
@node Aspect Linker_Section,Aspect Lock_Free,Aspect Iterable,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-linker-section}@anchor{137}
@section Aspect Linker_Section
@geindex Linker_Section
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{91,,pragma Linker_Section}.
@node Aspect Lock_Free,Aspect Max_Queue_Length,Aspect Linker_Section,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-lock-free}@anchor{138}
@section Aspect Lock_Free
@geindex Lock_Free
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{93,,pragma Lock_Free}.
@node Aspect Max_Queue_Length,Aspect No_Caching,Aspect Lock_Free,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-max-queue-length}@anchor{139}
@section Aspect Max_Queue_Length
@geindex Max_Queue_Length
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{9b,,pragma Max_Queue_Length}.
@node Aspect No_Caching,Aspect No_Elaboration_Code_All,Aspect Max_Queue_Length,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-no-caching}@anchor{13a}
@section Aspect No_Caching
@geindex No_Caching
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{9e,,pragma No_Caching}.
@node Aspect No_Elaboration_Code_All,Aspect No_Inline,Aspect No_Caching,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-no-elaboration-code-all}@anchor{13b}
@section Aspect No_Elaboration_Code_All
@geindex No_Elaboration_Code_All
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{a1,,pragma No_Elaboration_Code_All}
for a program unit.
@node Aspect No_Inline,Aspect No_Tagged_Streams,Aspect No_Elaboration_Code_All,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-no-inline}@anchor{13c}
@section Aspect No_Inline
@geindex No_Inline
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{a4,,pragma No_Inline}.
@node Aspect No_Tagged_Streams,Aspect No_Task_Parts,Aspect No_Inline,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-no-tagged-streams}@anchor{13d}
@section Aspect No_Tagged_Streams
@geindex No_Tagged_Streams
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{a8,,pragma No_Tagged_Streams} with an
argument specifying a root tagged type (thus this aspect can only be
applied to such a type).
@node Aspect No_Task_Parts,Aspect Object_Size,Aspect No_Tagged_Streams,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-no-task-parts}@anchor{13e}
@section Aspect No_Task_Parts
@geindex No_Task_Parts
Applies to a type. If True, requires that the type and any descendants
do not have any task parts. The rules for this aspect are the same as
for the language-defined No_Controlled_Parts aspect (see RM-H.4.1),
replacing “controlled” with “task”.
If No_Task_Parts is True for a type T, then the compiler can optimize
away certain tasking-related code that would otherwise be needed
for T’Class, because descendants of T might contain tasks.
@node Aspect Object_Size,Aspect Obsolescent,Aspect No_Task_Parts,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-object-size}@anchor{13f}
@section Aspect Object_Size
@geindex Object_Size
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{140,,attribute Object_Size}.
@node Aspect Obsolescent,Aspect Part_Of,Aspect Object_Size,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-obsolescent}@anchor{141}
@section Aspect Obsolescent
@geindex Obsolsecent
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{ab,,pragma Obsolescent}. Note that the
evaluation of this aspect happens at the point of occurrence, it is not
delayed until the freeze point.
@node Aspect Part_Of,Aspect Persistent_BSS,Aspect Obsolescent,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-part-of}@anchor{142}
@section Aspect Part_Of
@geindex Part_Of
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{b2,,pragma Part_Of}.
@node Aspect Persistent_BSS,Aspect Predicate,Aspect Part_Of,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-persistent-bss}@anchor{143}
@section Aspect Persistent_BSS
@geindex Persistent_BSS
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{b5,,pragma Persistent_BSS}.
@node Aspect Predicate,Aspect Pure_Function,Aspect Persistent_BSS,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-predicate}@anchor{144}
@section Aspect Predicate
@geindex Predicate
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{bc,,pragma Predicate}. It is thus
similar to the language defined aspects @code{Dynamic_Predicate}
and @code{Static_Predicate} except that whether the resulting
predicate is static or dynamic is controlled by the form of the
expression. It is also separately controllable using pragma
@code{Assertion_Policy}.
@node Aspect Pure_Function,Aspect Refined_Depends,Aspect Predicate,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-pure-function}@anchor{145}
@section Aspect Pure_Function
@geindex Pure_Function
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{c8,,pragma Pure_Function}.
@node Aspect Refined_Depends,Aspect Refined_Global,Aspect Pure_Function,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-refined-depends}@anchor{146}
@section Aspect Refined_Depends
@geindex Refined_Depends
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{cc,,pragma Refined_Depends}.
@node Aspect Refined_Global,Aspect Refined_Post,Aspect Refined_Depends,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-refined-global}@anchor{147}
@section Aspect Refined_Global
@geindex Refined_Global
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{ce,,pragma Refined_Global}.
@node Aspect Refined_Post,Aspect Refined_State,Aspect Refined_Global,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-refined-post}@anchor{148}
@section Aspect Refined_Post
@geindex Refined_Post
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{d0,,pragma Refined_Post}.
@node Aspect Refined_State,Aspect Relaxed_Initialization,Aspect Refined_Post,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-refined-state}@anchor{149}
@section Aspect Refined_State
@geindex Refined_State
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{d2,,pragma Refined_State}.
@node Aspect Relaxed_Initialization,Aspect Remote_Access_Type,Aspect Refined_State,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-relaxed-initialization}@anchor{14a}
@section Aspect Relaxed_Initialization
@geindex Refined_Initialization
For the syntax and semantics of this aspect, see the SPARK 2014 Reference
Manual, section 6.10.
@node Aspect Remote_Access_Type,Aspect Secondary_Stack_Size,Aspect Relaxed_Initialization,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-remote-access-type}@anchor{14b}
@section Aspect Remote_Access_Type
@geindex Remote_Access_Type
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{d5,,pragma Remote_Access_Type}.
@node Aspect Secondary_Stack_Size,Aspect Scalar_Storage_Order,Aspect Remote_Access_Type,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-secondary-stack-size}@anchor{14c}
@section Aspect Secondary_Stack_Size
@geindex Secondary_Stack_Size
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{db,,pragma Secondary_Stack_Size}.
@node Aspect Scalar_Storage_Order,Aspect Shared,Aspect Secondary_Stack_Size,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-scalar-storage-order}@anchor{14d}
@section Aspect Scalar_Storage_Order
@geindex Scalar_Storage_Order
This aspect is equivalent to a @ref{14e,,attribute Scalar_Storage_Order}.
@node Aspect Shared,Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool,Aspect Scalar_Storage_Order,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-shared}@anchor{14f}
@section Aspect Shared
@geindex Shared
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{de,,pragma Shared}
and is thus a synonym for aspect @code{Atomic}.
@node Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool,Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool_Type,Aspect Shared,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-simple-storage-pool}@anchor{150}
@section Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool
@geindex Simple_Storage_Pool
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{e3,,attribute Simple_Storage_Pool}.
@node Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool_Type,Aspect SPARK_Mode,Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-simple-storage-pool-type}@anchor{151}
@section Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool_Type
@geindex Simple_Storage_Pool_Type
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{e2,,pragma Simple_Storage_Pool_Type}.
@node Aspect SPARK_Mode,Aspect Suppress_Debug_Info,Aspect Simple_Storage_Pool_Type,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-spark-mode}@anchor{152}
@section Aspect SPARK_Mode
@geindex SPARK_Mode
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{ea,,pragma SPARK_Mode} and
may be specified for either or both of the specification and body
of a subprogram or package.
@node Aspect Suppress_Debug_Info,Aspect Suppress_Initialization,Aspect SPARK_Mode,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-suppress-debug-info}@anchor{153}
@section Aspect Suppress_Debug_Info
@geindex Suppress_Debug_Info
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{f2,,pragma Suppress_Debug_Info}.
@node Aspect Suppress_Initialization,Aspect Test_Case,Aspect Suppress_Debug_Info,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-suppress-initialization}@anchor{154}
@section Aspect Suppress_Initialization
@geindex Suppress_Initialization
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{f5,,pragma Suppress_Initialization}.
@node Aspect Test_Case,Aspect Thread_Local_Storage,Aspect Suppress_Initialization,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-test-case}@anchor{155}
@section Aspect Test_Case
@geindex Test_Case
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{f9,,pragma Test_Case}.
@node Aspect Thread_Local_Storage,Aspect Universal_Aliasing,Aspect Test_Case,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-thread-local-storage}@anchor{156}
@section Aspect Thread_Local_Storage
@geindex Thread_Local_Storage
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{fb,,pragma Thread_Local_Storage}.
@node Aspect Universal_Aliasing,Aspect Unmodified,Aspect Thread_Local_Storage,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-universal-aliasing}@anchor{157}
@section Aspect Universal_Aliasing
@geindex Universal_Aliasing
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{105,,pragma Universal_Aliasing}.
@node Aspect Unmodified,Aspect Unreferenced,Aspect Universal_Aliasing,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-unmodified}@anchor{158}
@section Aspect Unmodified
@geindex Unmodified
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{107,,pragma Unmodified}.
@node Aspect Unreferenced,Aspect Unreferenced_Objects,Aspect Unmodified,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-unreferenced}@anchor{159}
@section Aspect Unreferenced
@geindex Unreferenced
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{109,,pragma Unreferenced}.
When using the @code{-gnat2022} switch, this aspect is also supported on formal
parameters, which is in particular the only form possible for expression
functions.
@node Aspect Unreferenced_Objects,Aspect Value_Size,Aspect Unreferenced,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-unreferenced-objects}@anchor{15a}
@section Aspect Unreferenced_Objects
@geindex Unreferenced_Objects
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{10b,,pragma Unreferenced_Objects}.
@node Aspect Value_Size,Aspect Volatile_Full_Access,Aspect Unreferenced_Objects,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-value-size}@anchor{15b}
@section Aspect Value_Size
@geindex Value_Size
This aspect is equivalent to @ref{15c,,attribute Value_Size}.
@node Aspect Volatile_Full_Access,Aspect Volatile_Function,Aspect Value_Size,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-volatile-full-access}@anchor{15d}
@section Aspect Volatile_Full_Access
@geindex Volatile_Full_Access
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{115,,pragma Volatile_Full_Access}.
@node Aspect Volatile_Function,Aspect Warnings,Aspect Volatile_Full_Access,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-volatile-function}@anchor{15e}
@section Aspect Volatile_Function
@geindex Volatile_Function
This boolean aspect is equivalent to @ref{117,,pragma Volatile_Function}.
@node Aspect Warnings,,Aspect Volatile_Function,Implementation Defined Aspects
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_aspects aspect-warnings}@anchor{15f}
@section Aspect Warnings
@geindex Warnings
This aspect is equivalent to the two argument form of @ref{119,,pragma Warnings},
where the first argument is @code{ON} or @code{OFF} and the second argument
is the entity.
@node Implementation Defined Attributes,Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions,Implementation Defined Aspects,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes doc}@anchor{160}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes id1}@anchor{161}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes implementation-defined-attributes}@anchor{8}
@chapter Implementation Defined Attributes
Ada defines (throughout the Ada reference manual,
summarized in Annex K),
a set of attributes that provide useful additional functionality in all
areas of the language. These language defined attributes are implemented
in GNAT and work as described in the Ada Reference Manual.
In addition, Ada allows implementations to define additional
attributes whose meaning is defined by the implementation. GNAT provides
a number of these implementation-dependent attributes which can be used
to extend and enhance the functionality of the compiler. This section of
the GNAT reference manual describes these additional attributes. It also
describes additional implementation-dependent features of standard
language-defined attributes.
Note that any program using these attributes may not be portable to
other compilers (although GNAT implements this set of attributes on all
platforms). Therefore if portability to other compilers is an important
consideration, you should minimize the use of these attributes.
@menu
* Attribute Abort_Signal::
* Attribute Address_Size::
* Attribute Asm_Input::
* Attribute Asm_Output::
* Attribute Atomic_Always_Lock_Free::
* Attribute Bit::
* Attribute Bit_Position::
* Attribute Code_Address::
* Attribute Compiler_Version::
* Attribute Constrained::
* Attribute Default_Bit_Order::
* Attribute Default_Scalar_Storage_Order::
* Attribute Deref::
* Attribute Descriptor_Size::
* Attribute Elaborated::
* Attribute Elab_Body::
* Attribute Elab_Spec::
* Attribute Elab_Subp_Body::
* Attribute Emax::
* Attribute Enabled::
* Attribute Enum_Rep::
* Attribute Enum_Val::
* Attribute Epsilon::
* Attribute Fast_Math::
* Attribute Finalization_Size::
* Attribute Fixed_Value::
* Attribute From_Any::
* Attribute Has_Access_Values::
* Attribute Has_Discriminants::
* Attribute Has_Tagged_Values::
* Attribute Img::
* Attribute Initialized::
* Attribute Integer_Value::
* Attribute Invalid_Value::
* Attribute Iterable::
* Attribute Large::
* Attribute Library_Level::
* Attribute Lock_Free::
* Attribute Loop_Entry::
* Attribute Machine_Size::
* Attribute Mantissa::
* Attribute Maximum_Alignment::
* Attribute Max_Integer_Size::
* Attribute Mechanism_Code::
* Attribute Null_Parameter::
* Attribute Object_Size::
* Attribute Old::
* Attribute Passed_By_Reference::
* Attribute Pool_Address::
* Attribute Range_Length::
* Attribute Restriction_Set::
* Attribute Result::
* Attribute Safe_Emax::
* Attribute Safe_Large::
* Attribute Safe_Small::
* Attribute Scalar_Storage_Order::
* Attribute Simple_Storage_Pool::
* Attribute Small::
* Attribute Small_Denominator::
* Attribute Small_Numerator::
* Attribute Storage_Unit::
* Attribute Stub_Type::
* Attribute System_Allocator_Alignment::
* Attribute Target_Name::
* Attribute To_Address::
* Attribute To_Any::
* Attribute Type_Class::
* Attribute Type_Key::
* Attribute TypeCode::
* Attribute Unconstrained_Array::
* Attribute Universal_Literal_String::
* Attribute Unrestricted_Access::
* Attribute Update::
* Attribute Valid_Image::
* Attribute Valid_Scalars::
* Attribute VADS_Size::
* Attribute Value_Size::
* Attribute Wchar_T_Size::
* Attribute Word_Size::
@end menu
@node Attribute Abort_Signal,Attribute Address_Size,,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-abort-signal}@anchor{162}
@section Attribute Abort_Signal
@geindex Abort_Signal
@code{Standard'Abort_Signal} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) provides the entity for the special exception used to signal
task abort or asynchronous transfer of control. Normally this attribute
should only be used in the tasking runtime (it is highly peculiar, and
completely outside the normal semantics of Ada, for a user program to
intercept the abort exception).
@node Attribute Address_Size,Attribute Asm_Input,Attribute Abort_Signal,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-address-size}@anchor{163}
@section Attribute Address_Size
@geindex Size of `@w{`}Address`@w{`}
@geindex Address_Size
@code{Standard'Address_Size} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) is a static constant giving the number of bits in an
@code{Address}. It is the same value as System.Address’Size,
but has the advantage of being static, while a direct
reference to System.Address’Size is nonstatic because Address
is a private type.
@node Attribute Asm_Input,Attribute Asm_Output,Attribute Address_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-asm-input}@anchor{164}
@section Attribute Asm_Input
@geindex Asm_Input
The @code{Asm_Input} attribute denotes a function that takes two
parameters. The first is a string, the second is an expression of the
type designated by the prefix. The first (string) argument is required
to be a static expression, and is the constraint for the parameter,
(e.g., what kind of register is required). The second argument is the
value to be used as the input argument. The possible values for the
constant are the same as those used in the RTL, and are dependent on
the configuration file used to built the GCC back end.
@ref{165,,Machine Code Insertions}
@node Attribute Asm_Output,Attribute Atomic_Always_Lock_Free,Attribute Asm_Input,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-asm-output}@anchor{166}
@section Attribute Asm_Output
@geindex Asm_Output
The @code{Asm_Output} attribute denotes a function that takes two
parameters. The first is a string, the second is the name of a variable
of the type designated by the attribute prefix. The first (string)
argument is required to be a static expression and designates the
constraint for the parameter (e.g., what kind of register is
required). The second argument is the variable to be updated with the
result. The possible values for constraint are the same as those used in
the RTL, and are dependent on the configuration file used to build the
GCC back end. If there are no output operands, then this argument may
either be omitted, or explicitly given as @code{No_Output_Operands}.
@ref{165,,Machine Code Insertions}
@node Attribute Atomic_Always_Lock_Free,Attribute Bit,Attribute Asm_Output,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-atomic-always-lock-free}@anchor{167}
@section Attribute Atomic_Always_Lock_Free
@geindex Atomic_Always_Lock_Free
The prefix of the @code{Atomic_Always_Lock_Free} attribute is a type.
The result is a Boolean value which is True if the type has discriminants,
and False otherwise. The result indicate whether atomic operations are
supported by the target for the given type.
@node Attribute Bit,Attribute Bit_Position,Attribute Atomic_Always_Lock_Free,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-bit}@anchor{168}
@section Attribute Bit
@geindex Bit
@code{obj'Bit}, where @code{obj} is any object, yields the bit
offset within the storage unit (byte) that contains the first bit of
storage allocated for the object. The value of this attribute is of the
type @emph{universal_integer} and is always a nonnegative number smaller
than @code{System.Storage_Unit}.
For an object that is a variable or a constant allocated in a register,
the value is zero. (The use of this attribute does not force the
allocation of a variable to memory).
For an object that is a formal parameter, this attribute applies
to either the matching actual parameter or to a copy of the
matching actual parameter.
For an access object the value is zero. Note that
@code{obj.all'Bit} is subject to an @code{Access_Check} for the
designated object. Similarly for a record component
@code{X.C'Bit} is subject to a discriminant check and
@code{X(I).Bit} and @code{X(I1..I2)'Bit}
are subject to index checks.
This attribute is designed to be compatible with the DEC Ada 83 definition
and implementation of the @code{Bit} attribute.
@node Attribute Bit_Position,Attribute Code_Address,Attribute Bit,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-bit-position}@anchor{169}
@section Attribute Bit_Position
@geindex Bit_Position
@code{R.C'Bit_Position}, where @code{R} is a record object and @code{C} is one
of the fields of the record type, yields the bit
offset within the record contains the first bit of
storage allocated for the object. The value of this attribute is of the
type @emph{universal_integer}. The value depends only on the field
@code{C} and is independent of the alignment of
the containing record @code{R}.
@node Attribute Code_Address,Attribute Compiler_Version,Attribute Bit_Position,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-code-address}@anchor{16a}
@section Attribute Code_Address
@geindex Code_Address
@geindex Subprogram address
@geindex Address of subprogram code
The @code{'Address}
attribute may be applied to subprograms in Ada 95 and Ada 2005, but the
intended effect seems to be to provide
an address value which can be used to call the subprogram by means of
an address clause as in the following example:
@example
procedure K is ...
procedure L;
for L'Address use K'Address;
pragma Import (Ada, L);
@end example
A call to @code{L} is then expected to result in a call to @code{K}.
In Ada 83, where there were no access-to-subprogram values, this was
a common work-around for getting the effect of an indirect call.
GNAT implements the above use of @code{Address} and the technique
illustrated by the example code works correctly.
However, for some purposes, it is useful to have the address of the start
of the generated code for the subprogram. On some architectures, this is
not necessarily the same as the @code{Address} value described above.
For example, the @code{Address} value may reference a subprogram
descriptor rather than the subprogram itself.
The @code{'Code_Address} attribute, which can only be applied to
subprogram entities, always returns the address of the start of the
generated code of the specified subprogram, which may or may not be
the same value as is returned by the corresponding @code{'Address}
attribute.
@node Attribute Compiler_Version,Attribute Constrained,Attribute Code_Address,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-compiler-version}@anchor{16b}
@section Attribute Compiler_Version
@geindex Compiler_Version
@code{Standard'Compiler_Version} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) yields a static string identifying the version of the compiler
being used to compile the unit containing the attribute reference.
@node Attribute Constrained,Attribute Default_Bit_Order,Attribute Compiler_Version,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-constrained}@anchor{16c}
@section Attribute Constrained
@geindex Constrained
In addition to the usage of this attribute in the Ada RM, GNAT
also permits the use of the @code{'Constrained} attribute
in a generic template
for any type, including types without discriminants. The value of this
attribute in the generic instance when applied to a scalar type or a
record type without discriminants is always @code{True}. This usage is
compatible with older Ada compilers, including notably DEC Ada.
@node Attribute Default_Bit_Order,Attribute Default_Scalar_Storage_Order,Attribute Constrained,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-default-bit-order}@anchor{16d}
@section Attribute Default_Bit_Order
@geindex Big endian
@geindex Little endian
@geindex Default_Bit_Order
@code{Standard'Default_Bit_Order} (@code{Standard} is the only
allowed prefix), provides the value @code{System.Default_Bit_Order}
as a @code{Pos} value (0 for @code{High_Order_First}, 1 for
@code{Low_Order_First}). This is used to construct the definition of
@code{Default_Bit_Order} in package @code{System}.
@node Attribute Default_Scalar_Storage_Order,Attribute Deref,Attribute Default_Bit_Order,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-default-scalar-storage-order}@anchor{16e}
@section Attribute Default_Scalar_Storage_Order
@geindex Big endian
@geindex Little endian
@geindex Default_Scalar_Storage_Order
@code{Standard'Default_Scalar_Storage_Order} (@code{Standard} is the only
allowed prefix), provides the current value of the default scalar storage
order (as specified using pragma @code{Default_Scalar_Storage_Order}, or
equal to @code{Default_Bit_Order} if unspecified) as a
@code{System.Bit_Order} value. This is a static attribute.
@node Attribute Deref,Attribute Descriptor_Size,Attribute Default_Scalar_Storage_Order,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-deref}@anchor{16f}
@section Attribute Deref
@geindex Deref
The attribute @code{typ'Deref(expr)} where @code{expr} is of type @code{System.Address} yields
the variable of type @code{typ} that is located at the given address. It is similar
to @code{(totyp (expr).all)}, where @code{totyp} is an unchecked conversion from address to
a named access-to-@cite{typ} type, except that it yields a variable, so it can be
used on the left side of an assignment.
@node Attribute Descriptor_Size,Attribute Elaborated,Attribute Deref,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-descriptor-size}@anchor{170}
@section Attribute Descriptor_Size
@geindex Descriptor
@geindex Dope vector
@geindex Descriptor_Size
Nonstatic attribute @code{Descriptor_Size} returns the size in bits of the
descriptor allocated for a type. The result is non-zero only for unconstrained
array types and the returned value is of type universal integer. In GNAT, an
array descriptor contains bounds information and is located immediately before
the first element of the array.
@example
type Unconstr_Array is array (Short_Short_Integer range <>) of Positive;
Put_Line ("Descriptor size = " & Unconstr_Array'Descriptor_Size'Img);
@end example
The attribute takes into account any padding due to the alignment of the
component type. In the example above, the descriptor contains two values
of type @code{Short_Short_Integer} representing the low and high bound. But,
since @code{Positive} has an alignment of 4, the size of the descriptor is
@code{2 * Short_Short_Integer'Size} rounded up to the next multiple of 32,
which yields a size of 32 bits, i.e. including 16 bits of padding.
@node Attribute Elaborated,Attribute Elab_Body,Attribute Descriptor_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-elaborated}@anchor{171}
@section Attribute Elaborated
@geindex Elaborated
The prefix of the @code{'Elaborated} attribute must be a unit name. The
value is a Boolean which indicates whether or not the given unit has been
elaborated. This attribute is primarily intended for internal use by the
generated code for dynamic elaboration checking, but it can also be used
in user programs. The value will always be True once elaboration of all
units has been completed. An exception is for units which need no
elaboration, the value is always False for such units.
@node Attribute Elab_Body,Attribute Elab_Spec,Attribute Elaborated,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-elab-body}@anchor{172}
@section Attribute Elab_Body
@geindex Elab_Body
This attribute can only be applied to a program unit name. It returns
the entity for the corresponding elaboration procedure for elaborating
the body of the referenced unit. This is used in the main generated
elaboration procedure by the binder and is not normally used in any
other context. However, there may be specialized situations in which it
is useful to be able to call this elaboration procedure from Ada code,
e.g., if it is necessary to do selective re-elaboration to fix some
error.
@node Attribute Elab_Spec,Attribute Elab_Subp_Body,Attribute Elab_Body,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-elab-spec}@anchor{173}
@section Attribute Elab_Spec
@geindex Elab_Spec
This attribute can only be applied to a program unit name. It returns
the entity for the corresponding elaboration procedure for elaborating
the spec of the referenced unit. This is used in the main
generated elaboration procedure by the binder and is not normally used
in any other context. However, there may be specialized situations in
which it is useful to be able to call this elaboration procedure from
Ada code, e.g., if it is necessary to do selective re-elaboration to fix
some error.
@node Attribute Elab_Subp_Body,Attribute Emax,Attribute Elab_Spec,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-elab-subp-body}@anchor{174}
@section Attribute Elab_Subp_Body
@geindex Elab_Subp_Body
This attribute can only be applied to a library level subprogram
name and is only allowed in CodePeer mode. It returns the entity
for the corresponding elaboration procedure for elaborating the body
of the referenced subprogram unit. This is used in the main generated
elaboration procedure by the binder in CodePeer mode only and is unrecognized
otherwise.
@node Attribute Emax,Attribute Enabled,Attribute Elab_Subp_Body,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-emax}@anchor{175}
@section Attribute Emax
@geindex Ada 83 attributes
@geindex Emax
The @code{Emax} attribute is provided for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute.
@node Attribute Enabled,Attribute Enum_Rep,Attribute Emax,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-enabled}@anchor{176}
@section Attribute Enabled
@geindex Enabled
The @code{Enabled} attribute allows an application program to check at compile
time to see if the designated check is currently enabled. The prefix is a
simple identifier, referencing any predefined check name (other than
@code{All_Checks}) or a check name introduced by pragma Check_Name. If
no argument is given for the attribute, the check is for the general state
of the check, if an argument is given, then it is an entity name, and the
check indicates whether an @code{Suppress} or @code{Unsuppress} has been
given naming the entity (if not, then the argument is ignored).
Note that instantiations inherit the check status at the point of the
instantiation, so a useful idiom is to have a library package that
introduces a check name with @code{pragma Check_Name}, and then contains
generic packages or subprograms which use the @code{Enabled} attribute
to see if the check is enabled. A user of this package can then issue
a @code{pragma Suppress} or @code{pragma Unsuppress} before instantiating
the package or subprogram, controlling whether the check will be present.
@node Attribute Enum_Rep,Attribute Enum_Val,Attribute Enabled,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-enum-rep}@anchor{177}
@section Attribute Enum_Rep
@geindex Representation of enums
@geindex Enum_Rep
Note that this attribute is now standard in Ada 202x and is available
as an implementation defined attribute for earlier Ada versions.
For every enumeration subtype @code{S}, @code{S'Enum_Rep} denotes a
function with the following spec:
@example
function S'Enum_Rep (Arg : S'Base) return <Universal_Integer>;
@end example
It is also allowable to apply @code{Enum_Rep} directly to an object of an
enumeration type or to a non-overloaded enumeration
literal. In this case @code{S'Enum_Rep} is equivalent to
@code{typ'Enum_Rep(S)} where @code{typ} is the type of the
enumeration literal or object.
The function returns the representation value for the given enumeration
value. This will be equal to value of the @code{Pos} attribute in the
absence of an enumeration representation clause. This is a static
attribute (i.e., the result is static if the argument is static).
@code{S'Enum_Rep} can also be used with integer types and objects,
in which case it simply returns the integer value. The reason for this
is to allow it to be used for @code{(<>)} discrete formal arguments in
a generic unit that can be instantiated with either enumeration types
or integer types. Note that if @code{Enum_Rep} is used on a modular
type whose upper bound exceeds the upper bound of the largest signed
integer type, and the argument is a variable, so that the universal
integer calculation is done at run time, then the call to @code{Enum_Rep}
may raise @code{Constraint_Error}.
@node Attribute Enum_Val,Attribute Epsilon,Attribute Enum_Rep,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-enum-val}@anchor{178}
@section Attribute Enum_Val
@geindex Representation of enums
@geindex Enum_Val
Note that this attribute is now standard in Ada 202x and is available
as an implementation defined attribute for earlier Ada versions.
For every enumeration subtype @code{S}, @code{S'Enum_Val} denotes a
function with the following spec:
@example
function S'Enum_Val (Arg : <Universal_Integer>) return S'Base;
@end example
The function returns the enumeration value whose representation matches the
argument, or raises Constraint_Error if no enumeration literal of the type
has the matching value.
This will be equal to value of the @code{Val} attribute in the
absence of an enumeration representation clause. This is a static
attribute (i.e., the result is static if the argument is static).
@node Attribute Epsilon,Attribute Fast_Math,Attribute Enum_Val,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-epsilon}@anchor{179}
@section Attribute Epsilon
@geindex Ada 83 attributes
@geindex Epsilon
The @code{Epsilon} attribute is provided for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute.
@node Attribute Fast_Math,Attribute Finalization_Size,Attribute Epsilon,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-fast-math}@anchor{17a}
@section Attribute Fast_Math
@geindex Fast_Math
@code{Standard'Fast_Math} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) yields a static Boolean value that is True if pragma
@code{Fast_Math} is active, and False otherwise.
@node Attribute Finalization_Size,Attribute Fixed_Value,Attribute Fast_Math,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-finalization-size}@anchor{17b}
@section Attribute Finalization_Size
@geindex Finalization_Size
The prefix of attribute @code{Finalization_Size} must be an object or
a non-class-wide type. This attribute returns the size of any hidden data
reserved by the compiler to handle finalization-related actions. The type of
the attribute is @emph{universal_integer}.
@code{Finalization_Size} yields a value of zero for a type with no controlled
parts, an object whose type has no controlled parts, or an object of a
class-wide type whose tag denotes a type with no controlled parts.
Note that only heap-allocated objects contain finalization data.
@node Attribute Fixed_Value,Attribute From_Any,Attribute Finalization_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-fixed-value}@anchor{17c}
@section Attribute Fixed_Value
@geindex Fixed_Value
For every fixed-point type @code{S}, @code{S'Fixed_Value} denotes a
function with the following specification:
@example
function S'Fixed_Value (Arg : <Universal_Integer>) return S;
@end example
The value returned is the fixed-point value @code{V} such that:
@example
V = Arg * S'Small
@end example
The effect is thus similar to first converting the argument to the
integer type used to represent @code{S}, and then doing an unchecked
conversion to the fixed-point type. The difference is
that there are full range checks, to ensure that the result is in range.
This attribute is primarily intended for use in implementation of the
input-output functions for fixed-point values.
@node Attribute From_Any,Attribute Has_Access_Values,Attribute Fixed_Value,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-from-any}@anchor{17d}
@section Attribute From_Any
@geindex From_Any
This internal attribute is used for the generation of remote subprogram
stubs in the context of the Distributed Systems Annex.
@node Attribute Has_Access_Values,Attribute Has_Discriminants,Attribute From_Any,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-has-access-values}@anchor{17e}
@section Attribute Has_Access_Values
@geindex Access values
@geindex testing for
@geindex Has_Access_Values
The prefix of the @code{Has_Access_Values} attribute is a type. The result
is a Boolean value which is True if the is an access type, or is a composite
type with a component (at any nesting depth) that is an access type, and is
False otherwise.
The intended use of this attribute is in conjunction with generic
definitions. If the attribute is applied to a generic private type, it
indicates whether or not the corresponding actual type has access values.
@node Attribute Has_Discriminants,Attribute Has_Tagged_Values,Attribute Has_Access_Values,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-has-discriminants}@anchor{17f}
@section Attribute Has_Discriminants
@geindex Discriminants
@geindex testing for
@geindex Has_Discriminants
The prefix of the @code{Has_Discriminants} attribute is a type. The result
is a Boolean value which is True if the type has discriminants, and False
otherwise. The intended use of this attribute is in conjunction with generic
definitions. If the attribute is applied to a generic private type, it
indicates whether or not the corresponding actual type has discriminants.
@node Attribute Has_Tagged_Values,Attribute Img,Attribute Has_Discriminants,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-has-tagged-values}@anchor{180}
@section Attribute Has_Tagged_Values
@geindex Tagged values
@geindex testing for
@geindex Has_Tagged_Values
The prefix of the @code{Has_Tagged_Values} attribute is a type. The result is a
Boolean value which is True if the type is a composite type (array or record)
that is either a tagged type or has a subcomponent that is tagged, and is False
otherwise. The intended use of this attribute is in conjunction with generic
definitions. If the attribute is applied to a generic private type, it
indicates whether or not the corresponding actual type has access values.
@node Attribute Img,Attribute Initialized,Attribute Has_Tagged_Values,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-img}@anchor{181}
@section Attribute Img
@geindex Img
The @code{Img} attribute differs from @code{Image} in that, while both can be
applied directly to an object, @code{Img} cannot be applied to types.
Example usage of the attribute:
@example
Put_Line ("X = " & X'Img);
@end example
which has the same meaning as the more verbose:
@example
Put_Line ("X = " & T'Image (X));
@end example
where @code{T} is the (sub)type of the object @code{X}.
Note that technically, in analogy to @code{Image},
@code{X'Img} returns a parameterless function
that returns the appropriate string when called. This means that
@code{X'Img} can be renamed as a function-returning-string, or used
in an instantiation as a function parameter.
@node Attribute Initialized,Attribute Integer_Value,Attribute Img,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-initialized}@anchor{182}
@section Attribute Initialized
@geindex Initialized
For the syntax and semantics of this attribute, see the SPARK 2014 Reference
Manual, section 6.10.
@node Attribute Integer_Value,Attribute Invalid_Value,Attribute Initialized,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-integer-value}@anchor{183}
@section Attribute Integer_Value
@geindex Integer_Value
For every integer type @code{S}, @code{S'Integer_Value} denotes a
function with the following spec:
@example
function S'Integer_Value (Arg : <Universal_Fixed>) return S;
@end example
The value returned is the integer value @code{V}, such that:
@example
Arg = V * T'Small
@end example
where @code{T} is the type of @code{Arg}.
The effect is thus similar to first doing an unchecked conversion from
the fixed-point type to its corresponding implementation type, and then
converting the result to the target integer type. The difference is
that there are full range checks, to ensure that the result is in range.
This attribute is primarily intended for use in implementation of the
standard input-output functions for fixed-point values.
@node Attribute Invalid_Value,Attribute Iterable,Attribute Integer_Value,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-invalid-value}@anchor{184}
@section Attribute Invalid_Value
@geindex Invalid_Value
For every scalar type S, S’Invalid_Value returns an undefined value of the
type. If possible this value is an invalid representation for the type. The
value returned is identical to the value used to initialize an otherwise
uninitialized value of the type if pragma Initialize_Scalars is used,
including the ability to modify the value with the binder -Sxx flag and
relevant environment variables at run time.
@node Attribute Iterable,Attribute Large,Attribute Invalid_Value,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-iterable}@anchor{185}
@section Attribute Iterable
@geindex Iterable
Equivalent to Aspect Iterable.
@node Attribute Large,Attribute Library_Level,Attribute Iterable,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-large}@anchor{186}
@section Attribute Large
@geindex Ada 83 attributes
@geindex Large
The @code{Large} attribute is provided for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute.
@node Attribute Library_Level,Attribute Lock_Free,Attribute Large,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-library-level}@anchor{187}
@section Attribute Library_Level
@geindex Library_Level
@code{P'Library_Level}, where P is an entity name,
returns a Boolean value which is True if the entity is declared
at the library level, and False otherwise. Note that within a
generic instantition, the name of the generic unit denotes the
instance, which means that this attribute can be used to test
if a generic is instantiated at the library level, as shown
in this example:
@example
generic
...
package Gen is
pragma Compile_Time_Error
(not Gen'Library_Level,
"Gen can only be instantiated at library level");
...
end Gen;
@end example
@node Attribute Lock_Free,Attribute Loop_Entry,Attribute Library_Level,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-lock-free}@anchor{188}
@section Attribute Lock_Free
@geindex Lock_Free
@code{P'Lock_Free}, where P is a protected object, returns True if a
pragma @code{Lock_Free} applies to P.
@node Attribute Loop_Entry,Attribute Machine_Size,Attribute Lock_Free,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-loop-entry}@anchor{189}
@section Attribute Loop_Entry
@geindex Loop_Entry
Syntax:
@example
X'Loop_Entry [(loop_name)]
@end example
The @code{Loop_Entry} attribute is used to refer to the value that an
expression had upon entry to a given loop in much the same way that the
@code{Old} attribute in a subprogram postcondition can be used to refer
to the value an expression had upon entry to the subprogram. The
relevant loop is either identified by the given loop name, or it is the
innermost enclosing loop when no loop name is given.
A @code{Loop_Entry} attribute can only occur within a
@code{Loop_Variant} or @code{Loop_Invariant} pragma. A common use of
@code{Loop_Entry} is to compare the current value of objects with their
initial value at loop entry, in a @code{Loop_Invariant} pragma.
The effect of using @code{X'Loop_Entry} is the same as declaring
a constant initialized with the initial value of @code{X} at loop
entry. This copy is not performed if the loop is not entered, or if the
corresponding pragmas are ignored or disabled.
@node Attribute Machine_Size,Attribute Mantissa,Attribute Loop_Entry,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-machine-size}@anchor{18a}
@section Attribute Machine_Size
@geindex Machine_Size
This attribute is identical to the @code{Object_Size} attribute. It is
provided for compatibility with the DEC Ada 83 attribute of this name.
@node Attribute Mantissa,Attribute Maximum_Alignment,Attribute Machine_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-mantissa}@anchor{18b}
@section Attribute Mantissa
@geindex Ada 83 attributes
@geindex Mantissa
The @code{Mantissa} attribute is provided for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute.
@node Attribute Maximum_Alignment,Attribute Max_Integer_Size,Attribute Mantissa,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-maximum-alignment}@anchor{18c}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes id2}@anchor{18d}
@section Attribute Maximum_Alignment
@geindex Alignment
@geindex maximum
@geindex Maximum_Alignment
@code{Standard'Maximum_Alignment} (@code{Standard} is the only
allowed prefix) provides the maximum useful alignment value for the
target. This is a static value that can be used to specify the alignment
for an object, guaranteeing that it is properly aligned in all
cases.
@node Attribute Max_Integer_Size,Attribute Mechanism_Code,Attribute Maximum_Alignment,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-max-integer-size}@anchor{18e}
@section Attribute Max_Integer_Size
@geindex Max_Integer_Size
@code{Standard'Max_Integer_Size} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) provides the size of the largest supported integer type for
the target. The result is a static constant.
@node Attribute Mechanism_Code,Attribute Null_Parameter,Attribute Max_Integer_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-mechanism-code}@anchor{18f}
@section Attribute Mechanism_Code
@geindex Return values
@geindex passing mechanism
@geindex Parameters
@geindex passing mechanism
@geindex Mechanism_Code
@code{func'Mechanism_Code} yields an integer code for the
mechanism used for the result of function @code{func}, and
@code{subprog'Mechanism_Code (n)} yields the mechanism
used for formal parameter number @emph{n} (a static integer value, with 1
meaning the first parameter) of subprogram @code{subprog}. The code returned is:
@table @asis
@item @emph{1}
by copy (value)
@item @emph{2}
by reference
@end table
@node Attribute Null_Parameter,Attribute Object_Size,Attribute Mechanism_Code,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-null-parameter}@anchor{190}
@section Attribute Null_Parameter
@geindex Zero address
@geindex passing
@geindex Null_Parameter
A reference @code{T'Null_Parameter} denotes an imaginary object of
type or subtype @code{T} allocated at machine address zero. The attribute
is allowed only as the default expression of a formal parameter, or as
an actual expression of a subprogram call. In either case, the
subprogram must be imported.
The identity of the object is represented by the address zero in the
argument list, independent of the passing mechanism (explicit or
default).
This capability is needed to specify that a zero address should be
passed for a record or other composite object passed by reference.
There is no way of indicating this without the @code{Null_Parameter}
attribute.
@node Attribute Object_Size,Attribute Old,Attribute Null_Parameter,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-object-size}@anchor{140}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes id3}@anchor{191}
@section Attribute Object_Size
@geindex Size
@geindex used for objects
@geindex Object_Size
The size of an object is not necessarily the same as the size of the type
of an object. This is because by default object sizes are increased to be
a multiple of the alignment of the object. For example,
@code{Natural'Size} is
31, but by default objects of type @code{Natural} will have a size of 32 bits.
Similarly, a record containing an integer and a character:
@example
type Rec is record
I : Integer;
C : Character;
end record;
@end example
will have a size of 40 (that is @code{Rec'Size} will be 40). The
alignment will be 4, because of the
integer field, and so the default size of record objects for this type
will be 64 (8 bytes).
If the alignment of the above record is specified to be 1, then the
object size will be 40 (5 bytes). This is true by default, and also
an object size of 40 can be explicitly specified in this case.
A consequence of this capability is that different object sizes can be
given to subtypes that would otherwise be considered in Ada to be
statically matching. But it makes no sense to consider such subtypes
as statically matching. Consequently, GNAT adds a rule
to the static matching rules that requires object sizes to match.
Consider this example:
@example
1. procedure BadAVConvert is
2. type R is new Integer;
3. subtype R1 is R range 1 .. 10;
4. subtype R2 is R range 1 .. 10;
5. for R1'Object_Size use 8;
6. for R2'Object_Size use 16;
7. type R1P is access all R1;
8. type R2P is access all R2;
9. R1PV : R1P := new R1'(4);
10. R2PV : R2P;
11. begin
12. R2PV := R2P (R1PV);
|
>>> target designated subtype not compatible with
type "R1" defined at line 3
13. end;
@end example
In the absence of lines 5 and 6,
types @code{R1} and @code{R2} statically match and
hence the conversion on line 12 is legal. But since lines 5 and 6
cause the object sizes to differ, GNAT considers that types
@code{R1} and @code{R2} are not statically matching, and line 12
generates the diagnostic shown above.
Similar additional checks are performed in other contexts requiring
statically matching subtypes.
@node Attribute Old,Attribute Passed_By_Reference,Attribute Object_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-old}@anchor{192}
@section Attribute Old
@geindex Old
In addition to the usage of @code{Old} defined in the Ada 2012 RM (usage
within @code{Post} aspect), GNAT also permits the use of this attribute
in implementation defined pragmas @code{Postcondition},
@code{Contract_Cases} and @code{Test_Case}. Also usages of
@code{Old} which would be illegal according to the Ada 2012 RM
definition are allowed under control of
implementation defined pragma @code{Unevaluated_Use_Of_Old}.
@node Attribute Passed_By_Reference,Attribute Pool_Address,Attribute Old,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-passed-by-reference}@anchor{193}
@section Attribute Passed_By_Reference
@geindex Parameters
@geindex when passed by reference
@geindex Passed_By_Reference
@code{typ'Passed_By_Reference} for any subtype @cite{typ} returns
a value of type @code{Boolean} value that is @code{True} if the type is
normally passed by reference and @code{False} if the type is normally
passed by copy in calls. For scalar types, the result is always @code{False}
and is static. For non-scalar types, the result is nonstatic.
@node Attribute Pool_Address,Attribute Range_Length,Attribute Passed_By_Reference,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-pool-address}@anchor{194}
@section Attribute Pool_Address
@geindex Pool_Address
@code{X'Pool_Address} for any object @code{X} returns the address
of X within its storage pool. This is the same as
@code{X'Address}, except that for an unconstrained array whose
bounds are allocated just before the first component,
@code{X'Pool_Address} returns the address of those bounds,
whereas @code{X'Address} returns the address of the first
component.
Here, we are interpreting ‘storage pool’ broadly to mean
@code{wherever the object is allocated}, which could be a
user-defined storage pool,
the global heap, on the stack, or in a static memory area.
For an object created by @code{new}, @code{Ptr.all'Pool_Address} is
what is passed to @code{Allocate} and returned from @code{Deallocate}.
@node Attribute Range_Length,Attribute Restriction_Set,Attribute Pool_Address,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-range-length}@anchor{195}
@section Attribute Range_Length
@geindex Range_Length
@code{typ'Range_Length} for any discrete type @cite{typ} yields
the number of values represented by the subtype (zero for a null
range). The result is static for static subtypes. @code{Range_Length}
applied to the index subtype of a one dimensional array always gives the
same result as @code{Length} applied to the array itself.
@node Attribute Restriction_Set,Attribute Result,Attribute Range_Length,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-restriction-set}@anchor{196}
@section Attribute Restriction_Set
@geindex Restriction_Set
@geindex Restrictions
This attribute allows compile time testing of restrictions that
are currently in effect. It is primarily intended for specializing
code in the run-time based on restrictions that are active (e.g.
don’t need to save fpt registers if restriction No_Floating_Point
is known to be in effect), but can be used anywhere.
There are two forms:
@example
System'Restriction_Set (partition_boolean_restriction_NAME)
System'Restriction_Set (No_Dependence => library_unit_NAME);
@end example
In the case of the first form, the only restriction names
allowed are parameterless restrictions that are checked
for consistency at bind time. For a complete list see the
subtype @code{System.Rident.Partition_Boolean_Restrictions}.
The result returned is True if the restriction is known to
be in effect, and False if the restriction is known not to
be in effect. An important guarantee is that the value of
a Restriction_Set attribute is known to be consistent throughout
all the code of a partition.
This is trivially achieved if the entire partition is compiled
with a consistent set of restriction pragmas. However, the
compilation model does not require this. It is possible to
compile one set of units with one set of pragmas, and another
set of units with another set of pragmas. It is even possible
to compile a spec with one set of pragmas, and then WITH the
same spec with a different set of pragmas. Inconsistencies
in the actual use of the restriction are checked at bind time.
In order to achieve the guarantee of consistency for the
Restriction_Set pragma, we consider that a use of the pragma
that yields False is equivalent to a violation of the
restriction.
So for example if you write
@example
if System'Restriction_Set (No_Floating_Point) then
...
else
...
end if;
@end example
And the result is False, so that the else branch is executed,
you can assume that this restriction is not set for any unit
in the partition. This is checked by considering this use of
the restriction pragma to be a violation of the restriction
No_Floating_Point. This means that no other unit can attempt
to set this restriction (if some unit does attempt to set it,
the binder will refuse to bind the partition).
Technical note: The restriction name and the unit name are
intepreted entirely syntactically, as in the corresponding
Restrictions pragma, they are not analyzed semantically,
so they do not have a type.
@node Attribute Result,Attribute Safe_Emax,Attribute Restriction_Set,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-result}@anchor{197}
@section Attribute Result
@geindex Result
@code{function'Result} can only be used with in a Postcondition pragma
for a function. The prefix must be the name of the corresponding function. This
is used to refer to the result of the function in the postcondition expression.
For a further discussion of the use of this attribute and examples of its use,
see the description of pragma Postcondition.
@node Attribute Safe_Emax,Attribute Safe_Large,Attribute Result,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-safe-emax}@anchor{198}
@section Attribute Safe_Emax
@geindex Ada 83 attributes
@geindex Safe_Emax
The @code{Safe_Emax} attribute is provided for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute.
@node Attribute Safe_Large,Attribute Safe_Small,Attribute Safe_Emax,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-safe-large}@anchor{199}
@section Attribute Safe_Large
@geindex Ada 83 attributes
@geindex Safe_Large
The @code{Safe_Large} attribute is provided for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute.
@node Attribute Safe_Small,Attribute Scalar_Storage_Order,Attribute Safe_Large,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-safe-small}@anchor{19a}
@section Attribute Safe_Small
@geindex Ada 83 attributes
@geindex Safe_Small
The @code{Safe_Small} attribute is provided for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute.
@node Attribute Scalar_Storage_Order,Attribute Simple_Storage_Pool,Attribute Safe_Small,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-scalar-storage-order}@anchor{14e}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes id4}@anchor{19b}
@section Attribute Scalar_Storage_Order
@geindex Endianness
@geindex Scalar storage order
@geindex Scalar_Storage_Order
For every array or record type @code{S}, the representation attribute
@code{Scalar_Storage_Order} denotes the order in which storage elements
that make up scalar components are ordered within S. The value given must
be a static expression of type System.Bit_Order. The following is an example
of the use of this feature:
@example
-- Component type definitions
subtype Yr_Type is Natural range 0 .. 127;
subtype Mo_Type is Natural range 1 .. 12;
subtype Da_Type is Natural range 1 .. 31;
-- Record declaration
type Date is record
Years_Since_1980 : Yr_Type;
Month : Mo_Type;
Day_Of_Month : Da_Type;
end record;
-- Record representation clause
for Date use record
Years_Since_1980 at 0 range 0 .. 6;
Month at 0 range 7 .. 10;
Day_Of_Month at 0 range 11 .. 15;
end record;
-- Attribute definition clauses
for Date'Bit_Order use System.High_Order_First;
for Date'Scalar_Storage_Order use System.High_Order_First;
-- If Scalar_Storage_Order is specified, it must be consistent with
-- Bit_Order, so it's best to always define the latter explicitly if
-- the former is used.
@end example
Other properties are as for the standard representation attribute @code{Bit_Order}
defined by Ada RM 13.5.3(4). The default is @code{System.Default_Bit_Order}.
For a record type @code{T}, if @code{T'Scalar_Storage_Order} is
specified explicitly, it shall be equal to @code{T'Bit_Order}. Note:
this means that if a @code{Scalar_Storage_Order} attribute definition
clause is not confirming, then the type’s @code{Bit_Order} shall be
specified explicitly and set to the same value.
Derived types inherit an explicitly set scalar storage order from their parent
types. This may be overridden for the derived type by giving an explicit scalar
storage order for it. However, for a record extension, the derived type must
have the same scalar storage order as the parent type.
A component of a record type that is itself a record or an array and that does
not start and end on a byte boundary must have have the same scalar storage
order as the record type. A component of a bit-packed array type that is itself
a record or an array must have the same scalar storage order as the array type.
No component of a type that has an explicit @code{Scalar_Storage_Order}
attribute definition may be aliased.
A confirming @code{Scalar_Storage_Order} attribute definition clause (i.e.
with a value equal to @code{System.Default_Bit_Order}) has no effect.
If the opposite storage order is specified, then whenever the value of
a scalar component of an object of type @code{S} is read, the storage
elements of the enclosing machine scalar are first reversed (before
retrieving the component value, possibly applying some shift and mask
operatings on the enclosing machine scalar), and the opposite operation
is done for writes.
In that case, the restrictions set forth in 13.5.1(10.3/2) for scalar components
are relaxed. Instead, the following rules apply:
@itemize *
@item
the underlying storage elements are those at positions
@code{(position + first_bit / storage_element_size) .. (position + (last_bit + storage_element_size - 1) / storage_element_size)}
@item
the sequence of underlying storage elements shall have
a size no greater than the largest machine scalar
@item
the enclosing machine scalar is defined as the smallest machine
scalar starting at a position no greater than
@code{position + first_bit / storage_element_size} and covering
storage elements at least up to @code{position + (last_bit + storage_element_size - 1) / storage_element_size`}
@item
the position of the component is interpreted relative to that machine
scalar.
@end itemize
If no scalar storage order is specified for a type (either directly, or by
inheritance in the case of a derived type), then the default is normally
the native ordering of the target, but this default can be overridden using
pragma @code{Default_Scalar_Storage_Order}.
If a component of @code{T} is itself of a record or array type, the specfied
@code{Scalar_Storage_Order} does @emph{not} apply to that nested type: an explicit
attribute definition clause must be provided for the component type as well
if desired.
Representation changes that explicitly or implicitly toggle the scalar storage
order are not supported and may result in erroneous execution of the program,
except when performed by means of an instance of @code{Ada.Unchecked_Conversion}.
In particular, overlays are not supported and a warning is given for them:
@example
type Rec_LE is record
I : Integer;
end record;
for Rec_LE use record
I at 0 range 0 .. 31;
end record;
for Rec_LE'Bit_Order use System.Low_Order_First;
for Rec_LE'Scalar_Storage_Order use System.Low_Order_First;
type Rec_BE is record
I : Integer;
end record;
for Rec_BE use record
I at 0 range 0 .. 31;
end record;
for Rec_BE'Bit_Order use System.High_Order_First;
for Rec_BE'Scalar_Storage_Order use System.High_Order_First;
R_LE : Rec_LE;
R_BE : Rec_BE;
for R_BE'Address use R_LE'Address;
@end example
@code{warning: overlay changes scalar storage order [enabled by default]}
In most cases, such representation changes ought to be replaced by an
instantiation of a function or procedure provided by @code{GNAT.Byte_Swapping}.
Note that the scalar storage order only affects the in-memory data
representation. It has no effect on the representation used by stream
attributes.
Note that debuggers may be unable to display the correct value of scalar
components of a type for which the opposite storage order is specified.
@node Attribute Simple_Storage_Pool,Attribute Small,Attribute Scalar_Storage_Order,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-simple-storage-pool}@anchor{e3}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes id5}@anchor{19c}
@section Attribute Simple_Storage_Pool
@geindex Storage pool
@geindex simple
@geindex Simple storage pool
@geindex Simple_Storage_Pool
For every nonformal, nonderived access-to-object type @code{Acc}, the
representation attribute @code{Simple_Storage_Pool} may be specified
via an attribute_definition_clause (or by specifying the equivalent aspect):
@example
My_Pool : My_Simple_Storage_Pool_Type;
type Acc is access My_Data_Type;
for Acc'Simple_Storage_Pool use My_Pool;
@end example
The name given in an attribute_definition_clause for the
@code{Simple_Storage_Pool} attribute shall denote a variable of
a ‘simple storage pool type’ (see pragma @cite{Simple_Storage_Pool_Type}).
The use of this attribute is only allowed for a prefix denoting a type
for which it has been specified. The type of the attribute is the type
of the variable specified as the simple storage pool of the access type,
and the attribute denotes that variable.
It is illegal to specify both @code{Storage_Pool} and @code{Simple_Storage_Pool}
for the same access type.
If the @code{Simple_Storage_Pool} attribute has been specified for an access
type, then applying the @code{Storage_Pool} attribute to the type is flagged
with a warning and its evaluation raises the exception @code{Program_Error}.
If the Simple_Storage_Pool attribute has been specified for an access
type @code{S}, then the evaluation of the attribute @code{S'Storage_Size}
returns the result of calling @code{Storage_Size (S'Simple_Storage_Pool)},
which is intended to indicate the number of storage elements reserved for
the simple storage pool. If the Storage_Size function has not been defined
for the simple storage pool type, then this attribute returns zero.
If an access type @code{S} has a specified simple storage pool of type
@code{SSP}, then the evaluation of an allocator for that access type calls
the primitive @code{Allocate} procedure for type @code{SSP}, passing
@code{S'Simple_Storage_Pool} as the pool parameter. The detailed
semantics of such allocators is the same as those defined for allocators
in section 13.11 of the @cite{Ada Reference Manual}, with the term
@emph{simple storage pool} substituted for @emph{storage pool}.
If an access type @code{S} has a specified simple storage pool of type
@code{SSP}, then a call to an instance of the @code{Ada.Unchecked_Deallocation}
for that access type invokes the primitive @code{Deallocate} procedure
for type @code{SSP}, passing @code{S'Simple_Storage_Pool} as the pool
parameter. The detailed semantics of such unchecked deallocations is the same
as defined in section 13.11.2 of the Ada Reference Manual, except that the
term @emph{simple storage pool} is substituted for @emph{storage pool}.
@node Attribute Small,Attribute Small_Denominator,Attribute Simple_Storage_Pool,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-small}@anchor{19d}
@section Attribute Small
@geindex Ada 83 attributes
@geindex Small
The @code{Small} attribute is defined in Ada 95 (and Ada 2005) only for
fixed-point types.
GNAT also allows this attribute to be applied to floating-point types
for compatibility with Ada 83. See
the Ada 83 reference manual for an exact description of the semantics of
this attribute when applied to floating-point types.
@node Attribute Small_Denominator,Attribute Small_Numerator,Attribute Small,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-small-denominator}@anchor{19e}
@section Attribute Small_Denominator
@geindex Small
@geindex Small_Denominator
@code{typ'Small_Denominator} for any fixed-point subtype @cite{typ} yields the
denominator in the representation of @code{typ'Small} as a rational number
with coprime factors (i.e. as an irreducible fraction).
@node Attribute Small_Numerator,Attribute Storage_Unit,Attribute Small_Denominator,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-small-numerator}@anchor{19f}
@section Attribute Small_Numerator
@geindex Small
@geindex Small_Numerator
@code{typ'Small_Numerator} for any fixed-point subtype @cite{typ} yields the
numerator in the representation of @code{typ'Small} as a rational number
with coprime factors (i.e. as an irreducible fraction).
@node Attribute Storage_Unit,Attribute Stub_Type,Attribute Small_Numerator,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-storage-unit}@anchor{1a0}
@section Attribute Storage_Unit
@geindex Storage_Unit
@code{Standard'Storage_Unit} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) provides the same value as @code{System.Storage_Unit}.
@node Attribute Stub_Type,Attribute System_Allocator_Alignment,Attribute Storage_Unit,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-stub-type}@anchor{1a1}
@section Attribute Stub_Type
@geindex Stub_Type
The GNAT implementation of remote access-to-classwide types is
organized as described in AARM section E.4 (20.t): a value of an RACW type
(designating a remote object) is represented as a normal access
value, pointing to a “stub” object which in turn contains the
necessary information to contact the designated remote object. A
call on any dispatching operation of such a stub object does the
remote call, if necessary, using the information in the stub object
to locate the target partition, etc.
For a prefix @code{T} that denotes a remote access-to-classwide type,
@code{T'Stub_Type} denotes the type of the corresponding stub objects.
By construction, the layout of @code{T'Stub_Type} is identical to that of
type @code{RACW_Stub_Type} declared in the internal implementation-defined
unit @code{System.Partition_Interface}. Use of this attribute will create
an implicit dependency on this unit.
@node Attribute System_Allocator_Alignment,Attribute Target_Name,Attribute Stub_Type,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-system-allocator-alignment}@anchor{1a2}
@section Attribute System_Allocator_Alignment
@geindex Alignment
@geindex allocator
@geindex System_Allocator_Alignment
@code{Standard'System_Allocator_Alignment} (@code{Standard} is the only
allowed prefix) provides the observable guaranted to be honored by
the system allocator (malloc). This is a static value that can be used
in user storage pools based on malloc either to reject allocation
with alignment too large or to enable a realignment circuitry if the
alignment request is larger than this value.
@node Attribute Target_Name,Attribute To_Address,Attribute System_Allocator_Alignment,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-target-name}@anchor{1a3}
@section Attribute Target_Name
@geindex Target_Name
@code{Standard'Target_Name} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) provides a static string value that identifies the target
for the current compilation. For GCC implementations, this is the
standard gcc target name without the terminating slash (for
example, GNAT 5.0 on windows yields “i586-pc-mingw32msv”).
@node Attribute To_Address,Attribute To_Any,Attribute Target_Name,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-to-address}@anchor{1a4}
@section Attribute To_Address
@geindex To_Address
The @code{System'To_Address}
(@code{System} is the only allowed prefix)
denotes a function identical to
@code{System.Storage_Elements.To_Address} except that
it is a static attribute. This means that if its argument is
a static expression, then the result of the attribute is a
static expression. This means that such an expression can be
used in contexts (e.g., preelaborable packages) which require a
static expression and where the function call could not be used
(since the function call is always nonstatic, even if its
argument is static). The argument must be in the range
-(2**(m-1)) .. 2**m-1, where m is the memory size
(typically 32 or 64). Negative values are intepreted in a
modular manner (e.g., -1 means the same as 16#FFFF_FFFF# on
a 32 bits machine).
@node Attribute To_Any,Attribute Type_Class,Attribute To_Address,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-to-any}@anchor{1a5}
@section Attribute To_Any
@geindex To_Any
This internal attribute is used for the generation of remote subprogram
stubs in the context of the Distributed Systems Annex.
@node Attribute Type_Class,Attribute Type_Key,Attribute To_Any,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-type-class}@anchor{1a6}
@section Attribute Type_Class
@geindex Type_Class
@code{typ'Type_Class} for any type or subtype @cite{typ} yields
the value of the type class for the full type of @cite{typ}. If
@cite{typ} is a generic formal type, the value is the value for the
corresponding actual subtype. The value of this attribute is of type
@code{System.Aux_DEC.Type_Class}, which has the following definition:
@example
type Type_Class is
(Type_Class_Enumeration,
Type_Class_Integer,
Type_Class_Fixed_Point,
Type_Class_Floating_Point,
Type_Class_Array,
Type_Class_Record,
Type_Class_Access,
Type_Class_Task,
Type_Class_Address);
@end example
Protected types yield the value @code{Type_Class_Task}, which thus
applies to all concurrent types. This attribute is designed to
be compatible with the DEC Ada 83 attribute of the same name.
@node Attribute Type_Key,Attribute TypeCode,Attribute Type_Class,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-type-key}@anchor{1a7}
@section Attribute Type_Key
@geindex Type_Key
The @code{Type_Key} attribute is applicable to a type or subtype and
yields a value of type Standard.String containing encoded information
about the type or subtype. This provides improved compatibility with
other implementations that support this attribute.
@node Attribute TypeCode,Attribute Unconstrained_Array,Attribute Type_Key,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-typecode}@anchor{1a8}
@section Attribute TypeCode
@geindex TypeCode
This internal attribute is used for the generation of remote subprogram
stubs in the context of the Distributed Systems Annex.
@node Attribute Unconstrained_Array,Attribute Universal_Literal_String,Attribute TypeCode,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-unconstrained-array}@anchor{1a9}
@section Attribute Unconstrained_Array
@geindex Unconstrained_Array
The @code{Unconstrained_Array} attribute can be used with a prefix that
denotes any type or subtype. It is a static attribute that yields
@code{True} if the prefix designates an unconstrained array,
and @code{False} otherwise. In a generic instance, the result is
still static, and yields the result of applying this test to the
generic actual.
@node Attribute Universal_Literal_String,Attribute Unrestricted_Access,Attribute Unconstrained_Array,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-universal-literal-string}@anchor{1aa}
@section Attribute Universal_Literal_String
@geindex Named numbers
@geindex representation of
@geindex Universal_Literal_String
The prefix of @code{Universal_Literal_String} must be a named
number. The static result is the string consisting of the characters of
the number as defined in the original source. This allows the user
program to access the actual text of named numbers without intermediate
conversions and without the need to enclose the strings in quotes (which
would preclude their use as numbers).
For example, the following program prints the first 50 digits of pi:
@example
with Text_IO; use Text_IO;
with Ada.Numerics;
procedure Pi is
begin
Put (Ada.Numerics.Pi'Universal_Literal_String);
end;
@end example
@node Attribute Unrestricted_Access,Attribute Update,Attribute Universal_Literal_String,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-unrestricted-access}@anchor{1ab}
@section Attribute Unrestricted_Access
@geindex Access
@geindex unrestricted
@geindex Unrestricted_Access
The @code{Unrestricted_Access} attribute is similar to @code{Access}
except that all accessibility and aliased view checks are omitted. This
is a user-beware attribute.
For objects, it is similar to @code{Address}, for which it is a
desirable replacement where the value desired is an access type.
In other words, its effect is similar to first applying the
@code{Address} attribute and then doing an unchecked conversion to a
desired access type.
For subprograms, @code{P'Unrestricted_Access} may be used where
@code{P'Access} would be illegal, to construct a value of a
less-nested named access type that designates a more-nested
subprogram. This value may be used in indirect calls, so long as the
more-nested subprogram still exists; once the subprogram containing it
has returned, such calls are erroneous. For example:
@example
package body P is
type Less_Nested is not null access procedure;
Global : Less_Nested;
procedure P1 is
begin
Global.all;
end P1;
procedure P2 is
Local_Var : Integer;
procedure More_Nested is
begin
... Local_Var ...
end More_Nested;
begin
Global := More_Nested'Unrestricted_Access;
P1;
end P2;
end P;
@end example
When P1 is called from P2, the call via Global is OK, but if P1 were
called after P2 returns, it would be an erroneous use of a dangling
pointer.
For objects, it is possible to use @code{Unrestricted_Access} for any
type. However, if the result is of an access-to-unconstrained array
subtype, then the resulting pointer has the same scope as the context
of the attribute, and must not be returned to some enclosing scope.
For instance, if a function uses @code{Unrestricted_Access} to create
an access-to-unconstrained-array and returns that value to the caller,
the result will involve dangling pointers. In addition, it is only
valid to create pointers to unconstrained arrays using this attribute
if the pointer has the normal default ‘fat’ representation where a
pointer has two components, one points to the array and one points to
the bounds. If a size clause is used to force ‘thin’ representation
for a pointer to unconstrained where there is only space for a single
pointer, then the resulting pointer is not usable.
In the simple case where a direct use of Unrestricted_Access attempts
to make a thin pointer for a non-aliased object, the compiler will
reject the use as illegal, as shown in the following example:
@example
with System; use System;
procedure SliceUA2 is
type A is access all String;
for A'Size use Standard'Address_Size;
procedure P (Arg : A) is
begin
null;
end P;
X : String := "hello world!";
X2 : aliased String := "hello world!";
AV : A := X'Unrestricted_Access; -- ERROR
|
>>> illegal use of Unrestricted_Access attribute
>>> attempt to generate thin pointer to unaliased object
begin
P (X'Unrestricted_Access); -- ERROR
|
>>> illegal use of Unrestricted_Access attribute
>>> attempt to generate thin pointer to unaliased object
P (X(7 .. 12)'Unrestricted_Access); -- ERROR
|
>>> illegal use of Unrestricted_Access attribute
>>> attempt to generate thin pointer to unaliased object
P (X2'Unrestricted_Access); -- OK
end;
@end example
but other cases cannot be detected by the compiler, and are
considered to be erroneous. Consider the following example:
@example
with System; use System;
with System; use System;
procedure SliceUA is
type AF is access all String;
type A is access all String;
for A'Size use Standard'Address_Size;
procedure P (Arg : A) is
begin
if Arg'Length /= 6 then
raise Program_Error;
end if;
end P;
X : String := "hello world!";
Y : AF := X (7 .. 12)'Unrestricted_Access;
begin
P (A (Y));
end;
@end example
A normal unconstrained array value
or a constrained array object marked as aliased has the bounds in memory
just before the array, so a thin pointer can retrieve both the data and
the bounds. But in this case, the non-aliased object @code{X} does not have the
bounds before the string. If the size clause for type @code{A}
were not present, then the pointer
would be a fat pointer, where one component is a pointer to the bounds,
and all would be well. But with the size clause present, the conversion from
fat pointer to thin pointer in the call loses the bounds, and so this
is erroneous, and the program likely raises a @code{Program_Error} exception.
In general, it is advisable to completely
avoid mixing the use of thin pointers and the use of
@code{Unrestricted_Access} where the designated type is an
unconstrained array. The use of thin pointers should be restricted to
cases of porting legacy code that implicitly assumes the size of pointers,
and such code should not in any case be using this attribute.
Another erroneous situation arises if the attribute is
applied to a constant. The resulting pointer can be used to access the
constant, but the effect of trying to modify a constant in this manner
is not well-defined. Consider this example:
@example
P : constant Integer := 4;
type R is access all Integer;
RV : R := P'Unrestricted_Access;
..
RV.all := 3;
@end example
Here we attempt to modify the constant P from 4 to 3, but the compiler may
or may not notice this attempt, and subsequent references to P may yield
either the value 3 or the value 4 or the assignment may blow up if the
compiler decides to put P in read-only memory. One particular case where
@code{Unrestricted_Access} can be used in this way is to modify the
value of an @code{in} parameter:
@example
procedure K (S : in String) is
type R is access all Character;
RV : R := S (3)'Unrestricted_Access;
begin
RV.all := 'a';
end;
@end example
In general this is a risky approach. It may appear to “work” but such uses of
@code{Unrestricted_Access} are potentially non-portable, even from one version
of GNAT to another, so are best avoided if possible.
@node Attribute Update,Attribute Valid_Image,Attribute Unrestricted_Access,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-update}@anchor{1ac}
@section Attribute Update
@geindex Update
The @code{Update} attribute creates a copy of an array or record value
with one or more modified components. The syntax is:
@example
PREFIX'Update ( RECORD_COMPONENT_ASSOCIATION_LIST )
PREFIX'Update ( ARRAY_COMPONENT_ASSOCIATION @{, ARRAY_COMPONENT_ASSOCIATION @} )
PREFIX'Update ( MULTIDIMENSIONAL_ARRAY_COMPONENT_ASSOCIATION
@{, MULTIDIMENSIONAL_ARRAY_COMPONENT_ASSOCIATION @} )
MULTIDIMENSIONAL_ARRAY_COMPONENT_ASSOCIATION ::= INDEX_EXPRESSION_LIST_LIST => EXPRESSION
INDEX_EXPRESSION_LIST_LIST ::= INDEX_EXPRESSION_LIST @{| INDEX_EXPRESSION_LIST @}
INDEX_EXPRESSION_LIST ::= ( EXPRESSION @{, EXPRESSION @} )
@end example
where @code{PREFIX} is the name of an array or record object, the
association list in parentheses does not contain an @code{others}
choice and the box symbol @code{<>} may not appear in any
expression. The effect is to yield a copy of the array or record value
which is unchanged apart from the components mentioned in the
association list, which are changed to the indicated value. The
original value of the array or record value is not affected. For
example:
@example
type Arr is Array (1 .. 5) of Integer;
...
Avar1 : Arr := (1,2,3,4,5);
Avar2 : Arr := Avar1'Update (2 => 10, 3 .. 4 => 20);
@end example
yields a value for @code{Avar2} of 1,10,20,20,5 with @code{Avar1}
begin unmodified. Similarly:
@example
type Rec is A, B, C : Integer;
...
Rvar1 : Rec := (A => 1, B => 2, C => 3);
Rvar2 : Rec := Rvar1'Update (B => 20);
@end example
yields a value for @code{Rvar2} of (A => 1, B => 20, C => 3),
with @code{Rvar1} being unmodifed.
Note that the value of the attribute reference is computed
completely before it is used. This means that if you write:
@example
Avar1 := Avar1'Update (1 => 10, 2 => Function_Call);
@end example
then the value of @code{Avar1} is not modified if @code{Function_Call}
raises an exception, unlike the effect of a series of direct assignments
to elements of @code{Avar1}. In general this requires that
two extra complete copies of the object are required, which should be
kept in mind when considering efficiency.
The @code{Update} attribute cannot be applied to prefixes of a limited
type, and cannot reference discriminants in the case of a record type.
The accessibility level of an Update attribute result object is defined
as for an aggregate.
In the record case, no component can be mentioned more than once. In
the array case, two overlapping ranges can appear in the association list,
in which case the modifications are processed left to right.
Multi-dimensional arrays can be modified, as shown by this example:
@example
A : array (1 .. 10, 1 .. 10) of Integer;
..
A := A'Update ((1, 2) => 20, (3, 4) => 30);
@end example
which changes element (1,2) to 20 and (3,4) to 30.
@node Attribute Valid_Image,Attribute Valid_Scalars,Attribute Update,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-valid-image}@anchor{1ad}
@section Attribute Valid_Image
@geindex Valid_Image
The @code{'Valid_Image} attribute is defined for enumeration types other than
those in package Standard. This attribute is a function that takes
a String, and returns Boolean. @code{T'Valid_Image (S)} returns True
if and only if @code{T'Value (S)} would not raise Constraint_Error.
@node Attribute Valid_Scalars,Attribute VADS_Size,Attribute Valid_Image,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-valid-scalars}@anchor{1ae}
@section Attribute Valid_Scalars
@geindex Valid_Scalars
The @code{'Valid_Scalars} attribute is intended to make it easier to check the
validity of scalar subcomponents of composite objects. The attribute is defined
for any prefix @code{P} which denotes an object. Prefix @code{P} can be any type
except for tagged private or @code{Unchecked_Union} types. The value of the
attribute is of type @code{Boolean}.
@code{P'Valid_Scalars} yields @code{True} if and only if the evaluation of
@code{C'Valid} yields @code{True} for every scalar subcomponent @code{C} of @code{P}, or if
@code{P} has no scalar subcomponents. Attribute @code{'Valid_Scalars} is equivalent
to attribute @code{'Valid} for scalar types.
It is not specified in what order the subcomponents are checked, nor whether
any more are checked after any one of them is determined to be invalid. If the
prefix @code{P} is of a class-wide type @code{T'Class} (where @code{T} is the associated
specific type), or if the prefix @code{P} is of a specific tagged type @code{T}, then
only the subcomponents of @code{T} are checked; in other words, components of
extensions of @code{T} are not checked even if @code{T'Class (P)'Tag /= T'Tag}.
The compiler will issue a warning if it can be determined at compile time that
the prefix of the attribute has no scalar subcomponents.
Note: @code{Valid_Scalars} can generate a lot of code, especially in the case of
a large variant record. If the attribute is called in many places in the same
program applied to objects of the same type, it can reduce program size to
write a function with a single use of the attribute, and then call that
function from multiple places.
@node Attribute VADS_Size,Attribute Value_Size,Attribute Valid_Scalars,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-vads-size}@anchor{1af}
@section Attribute VADS_Size
@geindex Size
@geindex VADS compatibility
@geindex VADS_Size
The @code{'VADS_Size} attribute is intended to make it easier to port
legacy code which relies on the semantics of @code{'Size} as implemented
by the VADS Ada 83 compiler. GNAT makes a best effort at duplicating the
same semantic interpretation. In particular, @code{'VADS_Size} applied
to a predefined or other primitive type with no Size clause yields the
Object_Size (for example, @code{Natural'Size} is 32 rather than 31 on
typical machines). In addition @code{'VADS_Size} applied to an object
gives the result that would be obtained by applying the attribute to
the corresponding type.
@node Attribute Value_Size,Attribute Wchar_T_Size,Attribute VADS_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-value-size}@anchor{15c}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes id6}@anchor{1b0}
@section Attribute Value_Size
@geindex Size
@geindex setting for not-first subtype
@geindex Value_Size
@code{type'Value_Size} is the number of bits required to represent
a value of the given subtype. It is the same as @code{type'Size},
but, unlike @code{Size}, may be set for non-first subtypes.
@node Attribute Wchar_T_Size,Attribute Word_Size,Attribute Value_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-wchar-t-size}@anchor{1b1}
@section Attribute Wchar_T_Size
@geindex Wchar_T_Size
@code{Standard'Wchar_T_Size} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) provides the size in bits of the C @code{wchar_t} type
primarily for constructing the definition of this type in
package @code{Interfaces.C}. The result is a static constant.
@node Attribute Word_Size,,Attribute Wchar_T_Size,Implementation Defined Attributes
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_attributes attribute-word-size}@anchor{1b2}
@section Attribute Word_Size
@geindex Word_Size
@code{Standard'Word_Size} (@code{Standard} is the only allowed
prefix) provides the value @code{System.Word_Size}. The result is
a static constant.
@node Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions,Implementation Advice,Implementation Defined Attributes,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions doc}@anchor{1b3}@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions id1}@anchor{1b4}@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions standard-and-implementation-defined-restrictions}@anchor{9}
@chapter Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions
All Ada Reference Manual-defined Restriction identifiers are implemented:
@itemize *
@item
language-defined restrictions (see 13.12.1)
@item
tasking restrictions (see D.7)
@item
high integrity restrictions (see H.4)
@end itemize
GNAT implements additional restriction identifiers. All restrictions, whether
language defined or GNAT-specific, are listed in the following.
@menu
* Partition-Wide Restrictions::
* Program Unit Level Restrictions::
@end menu
@node Partition-Wide Restrictions,Program Unit Level Restrictions,,Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions id2}@anchor{1b5}@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions partition-wide-restrictions}@anchor{1b6}
@section Partition-Wide Restrictions
There are two separate lists of restriction identifiers. The first
set requires consistency throughout a partition (in other words, if the
restriction identifier is used for any compilation unit in the partition,
then all compilation units in the partition must obey the restriction).
@menu
* Immediate_Reclamation::
* Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting::
* Max_Entry_Queue_Length::
* Max_Protected_Entries::
* Max_Select_Alternatives::
* Max_Storage_At_Blocking::
* Max_Task_Entries::
* Max_Tasks::
* No_Abort_Statements::
* No_Access_Parameter_Allocators::
* No_Access_Subprograms::
* No_Allocators::
* No_Anonymous_Allocators::
* No_Asynchronous_Control::
* No_Calendar::
* No_Coextensions::
* No_Default_Initialization::
* No_Delay::
* No_Dependence::
* No_Direct_Boolean_Operators::
* No_Dispatch::
* No_Dispatching_Calls::
* No_Dynamic_Attachment::
* No_Dynamic_Priorities::
* No_Entry_Calls_In_Elaboration_Code::
* No_Enumeration_Maps::
* No_Exception_Handlers::
* No_Exception_Propagation::
* No_Exception_Registration::
* No_Exceptions::
* No_Finalization::
* No_Fixed_Point::
* No_Floating_Point::
* No_Implicit_Conditionals::
* No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code::
* No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations::
* No_Implicit_Protected_Object_Allocations::
* No_Implicit_Task_Allocations::
* No_Initialize_Scalars::
* No_IO::
* No_Local_Allocators::
* No_Local_Protected_Objects::
* No_Local_Timing_Events::
* No_Long_Long_Integers::
* No_Multiple_Elaboration::
* No_Nested_Finalization::
* No_Protected_Type_Allocators::
* No_Protected_Types::
* No_Recursion::
* No_Reentrancy::
* No_Relative_Delay::
* No_Requeue_Statements::
* No_Secondary_Stack::
* No_Select_Statements::
* No_Specific_Termination_Handlers::
* No_Specification_of_Aspect::
* No_Standard_Allocators_After_Elaboration::
* No_Standard_Storage_Pools::
* No_Stream_Optimizations::
* No_Streams::
* No_Tagged_Type_Registration::
* No_Task_Allocators::
* No_Task_At_Interrupt_Priority::
* No_Task_Attributes_Package::
* No_Task_Hierarchy::
* No_Task_Termination::
* No_Tasking::
* No_Terminate_Alternatives::
* No_Unchecked_Access::
* No_Unchecked_Conversion::
* No_Unchecked_Deallocation::
* No_Use_Of_Entity::
* Pure_Barriers::
* Simple_Barriers::
* Static_Priorities::
* Static_Storage_Size::
@end menu
@node Immediate_Reclamation,Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting,,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions immediate-reclamation}@anchor{1b7}
@subsection Immediate_Reclamation
@geindex Immediate_Reclamation
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures that, except for storage occupied by
objects created by allocators and not deallocated via unchecked
deallocation, any storage reserved at run time for an object is
immediately reclaimed when the object no longer exists.
@node Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting,Max_Entry_Queue_Length,Immediate_Reclamation,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions max-asynchronous-select-nesting}@anchor{1b8}
@subsection Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting
@geindex Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting
[RM D.7] Specifies the maximum dynamic nesting level of asynchronous
selects. Violations of this restriction with a value of zero are
detected at compile time. Violations of this restriction with values
other than zero cause Storage_Error to be raised.
@node Max_Entry_Queue_Length,Max_Protected_Entries,Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions max-entry-queue-length}@anchor{1b9}
@subsection Max_Entry_Queue_Length
@geindex Max_Entry_Queue_Length
[RM D.7] This restriction is a declaration that any protected entry compiled in
the scope of the restriction has at most the specified number of
tasks waiting on the entry at any one time, and so no queue is required.
Note that this restriction is checked at run time. Violation of this
restriction results in the raising of Program_Error exception at the point of
the call.
@geindex Max_Entry_Queue_Depth
The restriction @code{Max_Entry_Queue_Depth} is recognized as a
synonym for @code{Max_Entry_Queue_Length}. This is retained for historical
compatibility purposes (and a warning will be generated for its use if
warnings on obsolescent features are activated).
@node Max_Protected_Entries,Max_Select_Alternatives,Max_Entry_Queue_Length,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions max-protected-entries}@anchor{1ba}
@subsection Max_Protected_Entries
@geindex Max_Protected_Entries
[RM D.7] Specifies the maximum number of entries per protected type. The
bounds of every entry family of a protected unit shall be static, or shall be
defined by a discriminant of a subtype whose corresponding bound is static.
@node Max_Select_Alternatives,Max_Storage_At_Blocking,Max_Protected_Entries,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions max-select-alternatives}@anchor{1bb}
@subsection Max_Select_Alternatives
@geindex Max_Select_Alternatives
[RM D.7] Specifies the maximum number of alternatives in a selective accept.
@node Max_Storage_At_Blocking,Max_Task_Entries,Max_Select_Alternatives,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions max-storage-at-blocking}@anchor{1bc}
@subsection Max_Storage_At_Blocking
@geindex Max_Storage_At_Blocking
[RM D.7] Specifies the maximum portion (in storage elements) of a task’s
Storage_Size that can be retained by a blocked task. A violation of this
restriction causes Storage_Error to be raised.
@node Max_Task_Entries,Max_Tasks,Max_Storage_At_Blocking,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions max-task-entries}@anchor{1bd}
@subsection Max_Task_Entries
@geindex Max_Task_Entries
[RM D.7] Specifies the maximum number of entries
per task. The bounds of every entry family
of a task unit shall be static, or shall be
defined by a discriminant of a subtype whose
corresponding bound is static.
@node Max_Tasks,No_Abort_Statements,Max_Task_Entries,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions max-tasks}@anchor{1be}
@subsection Max_Tasks
@geindex Max_Tasks
[RM D.7] Specifies the maximum number of task that may be created, not
counting the creation of the environment task. Violations of this
restriction with a value of zero are detected at compile
time. Violations of this restriction with values other than zero cause
Storage_Error to be raised.
@node No_Abort_Statements,No_Access_Parameter_Allocators,Max_Tasks,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-abort-statements}@anchor{1bf}
@subsection No_Abort_Statements
@geindex No_Abort_Statements
[RM D.7] There are no abort_statements, and there are
no calls to Task_Identification.Abort_Task.
@node No_Access_Parameter_Allocators,No_Access_Subprograms,No_Abort_Statements,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-access-parameter-allocators}@anchor{1c0}
@subsection No_Access_Parameter_Allocators
@geindex No_Access_Parameter_Allocators
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
occurrences of an allocator as the actual parameter to an access
parameter.
@node No_Access_Subprograms,No_Allocators,No_Access_Parameter_Allocators,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-access-subprograms}@anchor{1c1}
@subsection No_Access_Subprograms
@geindex No_Access_Subprograms
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
declarations of access-to-subprogram types.
@node No_Allocators,No_Anonymous_Allocators,No_Access_Subprograms,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-allocators}@anchor{1c2}
@subsection No_Allocators
@geindex No_Allocators
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
occurrences of an allocator.
@node No_Anonymous_Allocators,No_Asynchronous_Control,No_Allocators,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-anonymous-allocators}@anchor{1c3}
@subsection No_Anonymous_Allocators
@geindex No_Anonymous_Allocators
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
occurrences of an allocator of anonymous access type.
@node No_Asynchronous_Control,No_Calendar,No_Anonymous_Allocators,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-asynchronous-control}@anchor{1c4}
@subsection No_Asynchronous_Control
@geindex No_Asynchronous_Control
[RM J.13] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no semantic
dependences on the predefined package Asynchronous_Task_Control.
@node No_Calendar,No_Coextensions,No_Asynchronous_Control,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-calendar}@anchor{1c5}
@subsection No_Calendar
@geindex No_Calendar
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no semantic
dependences on package Calendar.
@node No_Coextensions,No_Default_Initialization,No_Calendar,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-coextensions}@anchor{1c6}
@subsection No_Coextensions
@geindex No_Coextensions
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
coextensions. See 3.10.2.
@node No_Default_Initialization,No_Delay,No_Coextensions,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-default-initialization}@anchor{1c7}
@subsection No_Default_Initialization
@geindex No_Default_Initialization
[GNAT] This restriction prohibits any instance of default initialization
of variables. The binder implements a consistency rule which prevents
any unit compiled without the restriction from with’ing a unit with the
restriction (this allows the generation of initialization procedures to
be skipped, since you can be sure that no call is ever generated to an
initialization procedure in a unit with the restriction active). If used
in conjunction with Initialize_Scalars or Normalize_Scalars, the effect
is to prohibit all cases of variables declared without a specific
initializer (including the case of OUT scalar parameters).
@node No_Delay,No_Dependence,No_Default_Initialization,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-delay}@anchor{1c8}
@subsection No_Delay
@geindex No_Delay
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
delay statements and no semantic dependences on package Calendar.
@node No_Dependence,No_Direct_Boolean_Operators,No_Delay,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-dependence}@anchor{1c9}
@subsection No_Dependence
@geindex No_Dependence
[RM 13.12.1] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
dependences on a library unit.
@node No_Direct_Boolean_Operators,No_Dispatch,No_Dependence,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-direct-boolean-operators}@anchor{1ca}
@subsection No_Direct_Boolean_Operators
@geindex No_Direct_Boolean_Operators
[GNAT] This restriction ensures that no logical operators (and/or/xor)
are used on operands of type Boolean (or any type derived from Boolean).
This is intended for use in safety critical programs where the certification
protocol requires the use of short-circuit (and then, or else) forms for all
composite boolean operations.
@node No_Dispatch,No_Dispatching_Calls,No_Direct_Boolean_Operators,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-dispatch}@anchor{1cb}
@subsection No_Dispatch
@geindex No_Dispatch
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
occurrences of @code{T'Class}, for any (tagged) subtype @code{T}.
@node No_Dispatching_Calls,No_Dynamic_Attachment,No_Dispatch,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-dispatching-calls}@anchor{1cc}
@subsection No_Dispatching_Calls
@geindex No_Dispatching_Calls
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that the code generated by the
compiler involves no dispatching calls. The use of this restriction allows the
safe use of record extensions, classwide membership tests and other classwide
features not involving implicit dispatching. This restriction ensures that
the code contains no indirect calls through a dispatching mechanism. Note that
this includes internally-generated calls created by the compiler, for example
in the implementation of class-wide objects assignments. The
membership test is allowed in the presence of this restriction, because its
implementation requires no dispatching.
This restriction is comparable to the official Ada restriction
@code{No_Dispatch} except that it is a bit less restrictive in that it allows
all classwide constructs that do not imply dispatching.
The following example indicates constructs that violate this restriction.
@example
package Pkg is
type T is tagged record
Data : Natural;
end record;
procedure P (X : T);
type DT is new T with record
More_Data : Natural;
end record;
procedure Q (X : DT);
end Pkg;
with Pkg; use Pkg;
procedure Example is
procedure Test (O : T'Class) is
N : Natural := O'Size; -- Error: Dispatching call
C : T'Class := O; -- Error: implicit Dispatching Call
begin
if O in DT'Class then -- OK : Membership test
Q (DT (O)); -- OK : Type conversion plus direct call
else
P (O); -- Error: Dispatching call
end if;
end Test;
Obj : DT;
begin
P (Obj); -- OK : Direct call
P (T (Obj)); -- OK : Type conversion plus direct call
P (T'Class (Obj)); -- Error: Dispatching call
Test (Obj); -- OK : Type conversion
if Obj in T'Class then -- OK : Membership test
null;
end if;
end Example;
@end example
@node No_Dynamic_Attachment,No_Dynamic_Priorities,No_Dispatching_Calls,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-dynamic-attachment}@anchor{1cd}
@subsection No_Dynamic_Attachment
@geindex No_Dynamic_Attachment
[RM D.7] This restriction ensures that there is no call to any of the
operations defined in package Ada.Interrupts
(Is_Reserved, Is_Attached, Current_Handler, Attach_Handler, Exchange_Handler,
Detach_Handler, and Reference).
@geindex No_Dynamic_Interrupts
The restriction @code{No_Dynamic_Interrupts} is recognized as a
synonym for @code{No_Dynamic_Attachment}. This is retained for historical
compatibility purposes (and a warning will be generated for its use if
warnings on obsolescent features are activated).
@node No_Dynamic_Priorities,No_Entry_Calls_In_Elaboration_Code,No_Dynamic_Attachment,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-dynamic-priorities}@anchor{1ce}
@subsection No_Dynamic_Priorities
@geindex No_Dynamic_Priorities
[RM D.7] There are no semantic dependencies on the package Dynamic_Priorities.
@node No_Entry_Calls_In_Elaboration_Code,No_Enumeration_Maps,No_Dynamic_Priorities,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-entry-calls-in-elaboration-code}@anchor{1cf}
@subsection No_Entry_Calls_In_Elaboration_Code
@geindex No_Entry_Calls_In_Elaboration_Code
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that no task or protected entry
calls are made during elaboration code. As a result of the use of this
restriction, the compiler can assume that no code past an accept statement
in a task can be executed at elaboration time.
@node No_Enumeration_Maps,No_Exception_Handlers,No_Entry_Calls_In_Elaboration_Code,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-enumeration-maps}@anchor{1d0}
@subsection No_Enumeration_Maps
@geindex No_Enumeration_Maps
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that no operations requiring
enumeration maps are used (that is Image and Value attributes applied
to enumeration types).
@node No_Exception_Handlers,No_Exception_Propagation,No_Enumeration_Maps,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-exception-handlers}@anchor{1d1}
@subsection No_Exception_Handlers
@geindex No_Exception_Handlers
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no explicit
exception handlers. It also indicates that no exception propagation will
be provided. In this mode, exceptions may be raised but will result in
an immediate call to the last chance handler, a routine that the user
must define with the following profile:
@example
procedure Last_Chance_Handler
(Source_Location : System.Address; Line : Integer);
pragma Export (C, Last_Chance_Handler,
"__gnat_last_chance_handler");
@end example
The parameter is a C null-terminated string representing a message to be
associated with the exception (typically the source location of the raise
statement generated by the compiler). The Line parameter when nonzero
represents the line number in the source program where the raise occurs.
@node No_Exception_Propagation,No_Exception_Registration,No_Exception_Handlers,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-exception-propagation}@anchor{1d2}
@subsection No_Exception_Propagation
@geindex No_Exception_Propagation
[GNAT] This restriction guarantees that exceptions are never propagated
to an outer subprogram scope. The only case in which an exception may
be raised is when the handler is statically in the same subprogram, so
that the effect of a raise is essentially like a goto statement. Any
other raise statement (implicit or explicit) will be considered
unhandled. Exception handlers are allowed, but may not contain an
exception occurrence identifier (exception choice). In addition, use of
the package GNAT.Current_Exception is not permitted, and reraise
statements (raise with no operand) are not permitted.
@node No_Exception_Registration,No_Exceptions,No_Exception_Propagation,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-exception-registration}@anchor{1d3}
@subsection No_Exception_Registration
@geindex No_Exception_Registration
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that no stream operations for
types Exception_Id or Exception_Occurrence are used. This also makes it
impossible to pass exceptions to or from a partition with this restriction
in a distributed environment. If this restriction is active, the generated
code is simplified by omitting the otherwise-required global registration
of exceptions when they are declared.
@node No_Exceptions,No_Finalization,No_Exception_Registration,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-exceptions}@anchor{1d4}
@subsection No_Exceptions
@geindex No_Exceptions
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
raise statements and no exception handlers and also suppresses the
generation of language-defined run-time checks.
@node No_Finalization,No_Fixed_Point,No_Exceptions,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-finalization}@anchor{1d5}
@subsection No_Finalization
@geindex No_Finalization
[GNAT] This restriction disables the language features described in
chapter 7.6 of the Ada 2005 RM as well as all form of code generation
performed by the compiler to support these features. The following types
are no longer considered controlled when this restriction is in effect:
@itemize *
@item
@code{Ada.Finalization.Controlled}
@item
@code{Ada.Finalization.Limited_Controlled}
@item
Derivations from @code{Controlled} or @code{Limited_Controlled}
@item
Class-wide types
@item
Protected types
@item
Task types
@item
Array and record types with controlled components
@end itemize
The compiler no longer generates code to initialize, finalize or adjust an
object or a nested component, either declared on the stack or on the heap. The
deallocation of a controlled object no longer finalizes its contents.
@node No_Fixed_Point,No_Floating_Point,No_Finalization,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-fixed-point}@anchor{1d6}
@subsection No_Fixed_Point
@geindex No_Fixed_Point
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
occurrences of fixed point types and operations.
@node No_Floating_Point,No_Implicit_Conditionals,No_Fixed_Point,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-floating-point}@anchor{1d7}
@subsection No_Floating_Point
@geindex No_Floating_Point
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
occurrences of floating point types and operations.
@node No_Implicit_Conditionals,No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code,No_Floating_Point,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implicit-conditionals}@anchor{1d8}
@subsection No_Implicit_Conditionals
@geindex No_Implicit_Conditionals
[GNAT] This restriction ensures that the generated code does not contain any
implicit conditionals, either by modifying the generated code where possible,
or by rejecting any construct that would otherwise generate an implicit
conditional. Note that this check does not include run time constraint
checks, which on some targets may generate implicit conditionals as
well. To control the latter, constraint checks can be suppressed in the
normal manner. Constructs generating implicit conditionals include comparisons
of composite objects and the Max/Min attributes.
@node No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code,No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations,No_Implicit_Conditionals,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implicit-dynamic-code}@anchor{1d9}
@subsection No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code
@geindex No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code
@geindex trampoline
[GNAT] This restriction prevents the compiler from building ‘trampolines’.
This is a structure that is built on the stack and contains dynamic
code to be executed at run time. On some targets, a trampoline is
built for the following features: @code{Access},
@code{Unrestricted_Access}, or @code{Address} of a nested subprogram;
nested task bodies; primitive operations of nested tagged types.
Trampolines do not work on machines that prevent execution of stack
data. For example, on windows systems, enabling DEP (data execution
protection) will cause trampolines to raise an exception.
Trampolines are also quite slow at run time.
On many targets, trampolines have been largely eliminated. Look at the
version of system.ads for your target — if it has
Always_Compatible_Rep equal to False, then trampolines are largely
eliminated. In particular, a trampoline is built for the following
features: @code{Address} of a nested subprogram;
@code{Access} or @code{Unrestricted_Access} of a nested subprogram,
but only if pragma Favor_Top_Level applies, or the access type has a
foreign-language convention; primitive operations of nested tagged
types.
@node No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations,No_Implicit_Protected_Object_Allocations,No_Implicit_Dynamic_Code,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implicit-heap-allocations}@anchor{1da}
@subsection No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations
@geindex No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations
[RM D.7] No constructs are allowed to cause implicit heap allocation.
@node No_Implicit_Protected_Object_Allocations,No_Implicit_Task_Allocations,No_Implicit_Heap_Allocations,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implicit-protected-object-allocations}@anchor{1db}
@subsection No_Implicit_Protected_Object_Allocations
@geindex No_Implicit_Protected_Object_Allocations
[GNAT] No constructs are allowed to cause implicit heap allocation of a
protected object.
@node No_Implicit_Task_Allocations,No_Initialize_Scalars,No_Implicit_Protected_Object_Allocations,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implicit-task-allocations}@anchor{1dc}
@subsection No_Implicit_Task_Allocations
@geindex No_Implicit_Task_Allocations
[GNAT] No constructs are allowed to cause implicit heap allocation of a task.
@node No_Initialize_Scalars,No_IO,No_Implicit_Task_Allocations,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-initialize-scalars}@anchor{1dd}
@subsection No_Initialize_Scalars
@geindex No_Initialize_Scalars
[GNAT] This restriction ensures that no unit in the partition is compiled with
pragma Initialize_Scalars. This allows the generation of more efficient
code, and in particular eliminates dummy null initialization routines that
are otherwise generated for some record and array types.
@node No_IO,No_Local_Allocators,No_Initialize_Scalars,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-io}@anchor{1de}
@subsection No_IO
@geindex No_IO
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
dependences on any of the library units Sequential_IO, Direct_IO,
Text_IO, Wide_Text_IO, Wide_Wide_Text_IO, or Stream_IO.
@node No_Local_Allocators,No_Local_Protected_Objects,No_IO,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-local-allocators}@anchor{1df}
@subsection No_Local_Allocators
@geindex No_Local_Allocators
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
occurrences of an allocator in subprograms, generic subprograms, tasks,
and entry bodies.
@node No_Local_Protected_Objects,No_Local_Timing_Events,No_Local_Allocators,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-local-protected-objects}@anchor{1e0}
@subsection No_Local_Protected_Objects
@geindex No_Local_Protected_Objects
[RM D.7] This restriction ensures at compile time that protected objects are
only declared at the library level.
@node No_Local_Timing_Events,No_Long_Long_Integers,No_Local_Protected_Objects,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-local-timing-events}@anchor{1e1}
@subsection No_Local_Timing_Events
@geindex No_Local_Timing_Events
[RM D.7] All objects of type Ada.Real_Time.Timing_Events.Timing_Event are
declared at the library level.
@node No_Long_Long_Integers,No_Multiple_Elaboration,No_Local_Timing_Events,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-long-long-integers}@anchor{1e2}
@subsection No_Long_Long_Integers
@geindex No_Long_Long_Integers
[GNAT] This partition-wide restriction forbids any explicit reference to
type Standard.Long_Long_Integer, and also forbids declaring range types whose
implicit base type is Long_Long_Integer, and modular types whose size exceeds
Long_Integer’Size.
@node No_Multiple_Elaboration,No_Nested_Finalization,No_Long_Long_Integers,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-multiple-elaboration}@anchor{1e3}
@subsection No_Multiple_Elaboration
@geindex No_Multiple_Elaboration
[GNAT] When this restriction is active and the static elaboration model is
used, and -fpreserve-control-flow is not used, the compiler is allowed to
suppress the elaboration counter normally associated with the unit, even if
the unit has elaboration code. This counter is typically used to check for
access before elaboration and to control multiple elaboration attempts. If the
restriction is used, then the situations in which multiple elaboration is
possible, including non-Ada main programs and Stand Alone libraries, are not
permitted and will be diagnosed by the binder.
@node No_Nested_Finalization,No_Protected_Type_Allocators,No_Multiple_Elaboration,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-nested-finalization}@anchor{1e4}
@subsection No_Nested_Finalization
@geindex No_Nested_Finalization
[RM D.7] All objects requiring finalization are declared at the library level.
@node No_Protected_Type_Allocators,No_Protected_Types,No_Nested_Finalization,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-protected-type-allocators}@anchor{1e5}
@subsection No_Protected_Type_Allocators
@geindex No_Protected_Type_Allocators
[RM D.7] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no allocator
expressions that attempt to allocate protected objects.
@node No_Protected_Types,No_Recursion,No_Protected_Type_Allocators,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-protected-types}@anchor{1e6}
@subsection No_Protected_Types
@geindex No_Protected_Types
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
declarations of protected types or protected objects.
@node No_Recursion,No_Reentrancy,No_Protected_Types,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-recursion}@anchor{1e7}
@subsection No_Recursion
@geindex No_Recursion
[RM H.4] A program execution is erroneous if a subprogram is invoked as
part of its execution.
@node No_Reentrancy,No_Relative_Delay,No_Recursion,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-reentrancy}@anchor{1e8}
@subsection No_Reentrancy
@geindex No_Reentrancy
[RM H.4] A program execution is erroneous if a subprogram is executed by
two tasks at the same time.
@node No_Relative_Delay,No_Requeue_Statements,No_Reentrancy,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-relative-delay}@anchor{1e9}
@subsection No_Relative_Delay
@geindex No_Relative_Delay
[RM D.7] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no delay
relative statements and prevents expressions such as @code{delay 1.23;} from
appearing in source code.
@node No_Requeue_Statements,No_Secondary_Stack,No_Relative_Delay,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-requeue-statements}@anchor{1ea}
@subsection No_Requeue_Statements
@geindex No_Requeue_Statements
[RM D.7] This restriction ensures at compile time that no requeue statements
are permitted and prevents keyword @code{requeue} from being used in source
code.
@geindex No_Requeue
The restriction @code{No_Requeue} is recognized as a
synonym for @code{No_Requeue_Statements}. This is retained for historical
compatibility purposes (and a warning will be generated for its use if
warnings on oNobsolescent features are activated).
@node No_Secondary_Stack,No_Select_Statements,No_Requeue_Statements,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-secondary-stack}@anchor{1eb}
@subsection No_Secondary_Stack
@geindex No_Secondary_Stack
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that the generated code
does not contain any reference to the secondary stack. The secondary
stack is used to implement functions returning unconstrained objects
(arrays or records) on some targets. Suppresses the allocation of
secondary stacks for tasks (excluding the environment task) at run time.
@node No_Select_Statements,No_Specific_Termination_Handlers,No_Secondary_Stack,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-select-statements}@anchor{1ec}
@subsection No_Select_Statements
@geindex No_Select_Statements
[RM D.7] This restriction ensures at compile time no select statements of any
kind are permitted, that is the keyword @code{select} may not appear.
@node No_Specific_Termination_Handlers,No_Specification_of_Aspect,No_Select_Statements,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-specific-termination-handlers}@anchor{1ed}
@subsection No_Specific_Termination_Handlers
@geindex No_Specific_Termination_Handlers
[RM D.7] There are no calls to Ada.Task_Termination.Set_Specific_Handler
or to Ada.Task_Termination.Specific_Handler.
@node No_Specification_of_Aspect,No_Standard_Allocators_After_Elaboration,No_Specific_Termination_Handlers,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-specification-of-aspect}@anchor{1ee}
@subsection No_Specification_of_Aspect
@geindex No_Specification_of_Aspect
[RM 13.12.1] This restriction checks at compile time that no aspect
specification, attribute definition clause, or pragma is given for a
given aspect.
@node No_Standard_Allocators_After_Elaboration,No_Standard_Storage_Pools,No_Specification_of_Aspect,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-standard-allocators-after-elaboration}@anchor{1ef}
@subsection No_Standard_Allocators_After_Elaboration
@geindex No_Standard_Allocators_After_Elaboration
[RM D.7] Specifies that an allocator using a standard storage pool
should never be evaluated at run time after the elaboration of the
library items of the partition has completed. Otherwise, Storage_Error
is raised.
@node No_Standard_Storage_Pools,No_Stream_Optimizations,No_Standard_Allocators_After_Elaboration,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-standard-storage-pools}@anchor{1f0}
@subsection No_Standard_Storage_Pools
@geindex No_Standard_Storage_Pools
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that no access types
use the standard default storage pool. Any access type declared must
have an explicit Storage_Pool attribute defined specifying a
user-defined storage pool.
@node No_Stream_Optimizations,No_Streams,No_Standard_Storage_Pools,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-stream-optimizations}@anchor{1f1}
@subsection No_Stream_Optimizations
@geindex No_Stream_Optimizations
[GNAT] This restriction affects the performance of stream operations on types
@code{String}, @code{Wide_String} and @code{Wide_Wide_String}. By default, the
compiler uses block reads and writes when manipulating @code{String} objects
due to their superior performance. When this restriction is in effect, the
compiler performs all IO operations on a per-character basis.
@node No_Streams,No_Tagged_Type_Registration,No_Stream_Optimizations,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-streams}@anchor{1f2}
@subsection No_Streams
@geindex No_Streams
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile/bind time that there are no
stream objects created and no use of stream attributes.
This restriction does not forbid dependences on the package
@code{Ada.Streams}. So it is permissible to with
@code{Ada.Streams} (or another package that does so itself)
as long as no actual stream objects are created and no
stream attributes are used.
Note that the use of restriction allows optimization of tagged types,
since they do not need to worry about dispatching stream operations.
To take maximum advantage of this space-saving optimization, any
unit declaring a tagged type should be compiled with the restriction,
though this is not required.
@node No_Tagged_Type_Registration,No_Task_Allocators,No_Streams,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-tagged-type-registration}@anchor{1f3}
@subsection No_Tagged_Type_Registration
@geindex No_Tagged_Type_Registration
[GNAT] If this restriction is active, then class-wide streaming
attributes are not supported. In addition, the subprograms in
Ada.Tags are not supported.
If this restriction is active, the generated code is simplified by
omitting the otherwise-required global registration of tagged types when they
are declared. This restriction may be necessary in order to also apply
the No_Elaboration_Code restriction.
@node No_Task_Allocators,No_Task_At_Interrupt_Priority,No_Tagged_Type_Registration,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-task-allocators}@anchor{1f4}
@subsection No_Task_Allocators
@geindex No_Task_Allocators
[RM D.7] There are no allocators for task types
or types containing task subcomponents.
@node No_Task_At_Interrupt_Priority,No_Task_Attributes_Package,No_Task_Allocators,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-task-at-interrupt-priority}@anchor{1f5}
@subsection No_Task_At_Interrupt_Priority
@geindex No_Task_At_Interrupt_Priority
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that there is no
Interrupt_Priority aspect or pragma for a task or a task type. As
a consequence, the tasks are always created with a priority below
that an interrupt priority.
@node No_Task_Attributes_Package,No_Task_Hierarchy,No_Task_At_Interrupt_Priority,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-task-attributes-package}@anchor{1f6}
@subsection No_Task_Attributes_Package
@geindex No_Task_Attributes_Package
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no implicit or
explicit dependencies on the package @code{Ada.Task_Attributes}.
@geindex No_Task_Attributes
The restriction @code{No_Task_Attributes} is recognized as a synonym
for @code{No_Task_Attributes_Package}. This is retained for historical
compatibility purposes (and a warning will be generated for its use if
warnings on obsolescent features are activated).
@node No_Task_Hierarchy,No_Task_Termination,No_Task_Attributes_Package,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-task-hierarchy}@anchor{1f7}
@subsection No_Task_Hierarchy
@geindex No_Task_Hierarchy
[RM D.7] All (non-environment) tasks depend
directly on the environment task of the partition.
@node No_Task_Termination,No_Tasking,No_Task_Hierarchy,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-task-termination}@anchor{1f8}
@subsection No_Task_Termination
@geindex No_Task_Termination
[RM D.7] Tasks that terminate are erroneous.
@node No_Tasking,No_Terminate_Alternatives,No_Task_Termination,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-tasking}@anchor{1f9}
@subsection No_Tasking
@geindex No_Tasking
[GNAT] This restriction prevents the declaration of tasks or task types
throughout the partition. It is similar in effect to the use of
@code{Max_Tasks => 0} except that violations are caught at compile time
and cause an error message to be output either by the compiler or
binder.
@node No_Terminate_Alternatives,No_Unchecked_Access,No_Tasking,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-terminate-alternatives}@anchor{1fa}
@subsection No_Terminate_Alternatives
@geindex No_Terminate_Alternatives
[RM D.7] There are no selective accepts with terminate alternatives.
@node No_Unchecked_Access,No_Unchecked_Conversion,No_Terminate_Alternatives,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-unchecked-access}@anchor{1fb}
@subsection No_Unchecked_Access
@geindex No_Unchecked_Access
[RM H.4] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no
occurrences of the Unchecked_Access attribute.
@node No_Unchecked_Conversion,No_Unchecked_Deallocation,No_Unchecked_Access,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-unchecked-conversion}@anchor{1fc}
@subsection No_Unchecked_Conversion
@geindex No_Unchecked_Conversion
[RM J.13] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no semantic
dependences on the predefined generic function Unchecked_Conversion.
@node No_Unchecked_Deallocation,No_Use_Of_Entity,No_Unchecked_Conversion,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-unchecked-deallocation}@anchor{1fd}
@subsection No_Unchecked_Deallocation
@geindex No_Unchecked_Deallocation
[RM J.13] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no semantic
dependences on the predefined generic procedure Unchecked_Deallocation.
@node No_Use_Of_Entity,Pure_Barriers,No_Unchecked_Deallocation,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-use-of-entity}@anchor{1fe}
@subsection No_Use_Of_Entity
@geindex No_Use_Of_Entity
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that there are no references
to the entity given in the form
@example
No_Use_Of_Entity => Name
@end example
where @code{Name} is the fully qualified entity, for example
@example
No_Use_Of_Entity => Ada.Text_IO.Put_Line
@end example
@node Pure_Barriers,Simple_Barriers,No_Use_Of_Entity,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions pure-barriers}@anchor{1ff}
@subsection Pure_Barriers
@geindex Pure_Barriers
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that protected entry
barriers are restricted to:
@itemize *
@item
components of the protected object (excluding selection from dereferences),
@item
constant declarations,
@item
named numbers,
@item
enumeration literals,
@item
integer literals,
@item
real literals,
@item
character literals,
@item
implicitly defined comparison operators,
@item
uses of the Standard.”not” operator,
@item
short-circuit operator,
@item
the Count attribute
@end itemize
This restriction is a relaxation of the Simple_Barriers restriction,
but still ensures absence of side effects, exceptions, and recursion
during the evaluation of the barriers.
@node Simple_Barriers,Static_Priorities,Pure_Barriers,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions simple-barriers}@anchor{200}
@subsection Simple_Barriers
@geindex Simple_Barriers
[RM D.7] This restriction ensures at compile time that barriers in entry
declarations for protected types are restricted to either static boolean
expressions or references to simple boolean variables defined in the private
part of the protected type. No other form of entry barriers is permitted.
@geindex Boolean_Entry_Barriers
The restriction @code{Boolean_Entry_Barriers} is recognized as a
synonym for @code{Simple_Barriers}. This is retained for historical
compatibility purposes (and a warning will be generated for its use if
warnings on obsolescent features are activated).
@node Static_Priorities,Static_Storage_Size,Simple_Barriers,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions static-priorities}@anchor{201}
@subsection Static_Priorities
@geindex Static_Priorities
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that all priority expressions
are static, and that there are no dependences on the package
@code{Ada.Dynamic_Priorities}.
@node Static_Storage_Size,,Static_Priorities,Partition-Wide Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions static-storage-size}@anchor{202}
@subsection Static_Storage_Size
@geindex Static_Storage_Size
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that any expression appearing
in a Storage_Size pragma or attribute definition clause is static.
@node Program Unit Level Restrictions,,Partition-Wide Restrictions,Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions id3}@anchor{203}@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions program-unit-level-restrictions}@anchor{204}
@section Program Unit Level Restrictions
The second set of restriction identifiers
does not require partition-wide consistency.
The restriction may be enforced for a single
compilation unit without any effect on any of the
other compilation units in the partition.
@menu
* No_Elaboration_Code::
* No_Dynamic_Accessibility_Checks::
* No_Dynamic_Sized_Objects::
* No_Entry_Queue::
* No_Implementation_Aspect_Specifications::
* No_Implementation_Attributes::
* No_Implementation_Identifiers::
* No_Implementation_Pragmas::
* No_Implementation_Restrictions::
* No_Implementation_Units::
* No_Implicit_Aliasing::
* No_Implicit_Loops::
* No_Obsolescent_Features::
* No_Wide_Characters::
* Static_Dispatch_Tables::
* SPARK_05::
@end menu
@node No_Elaboration_Code,No_Dynamic_Accessibility_Checks,,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-elaboration-code}@anchor{205}
@subsection No_Elaboration_Code
@geindex No_Elaboration_Code
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that no elaboration code is
generated. Note that this is not the same condition as is enforced
by pragma @code{Preelaborate}. There are cases in which pragma
@code{Preelaborate} still permits code to be generated (e.g., code
to initialize a large array to all zeroes), and there are cases of units
which do not meet the requirements for pragma @code{Preelaborate},
but for which no elaboration code is generated. Generally, it is
the case that preelaborable units will meet the restrictions, with
the exception of large aggregates initialized with an others_clause,
and exception declarations (which generate calls to a run-time
registry procedure). This restriction is enforced on
a unit by unit basis, it need not be obeyed consistently
throughout a partition.
In the case of aggregates with others, if the aggregate has a dynamic
size, there is no way to eliminate the elaboration code (such dynamic
bounds would be incompatible with @code{Preelaborate} in any case). If
the bounds are static, then use of this restriction actually modifies
the code choice of the compiler to avoid generating a loop, and instead
generate the aggregate statically if possible, no matter how many times
the data for the others clause must be repeatedly generated.
It is not possible to precisely document
the constructs which are compatible with this restriction, since,
unlike most other restrictions, this is not a restriction on the
source code, but a restriction on the generated object code. For
example, if the source contains a declaration:
@example
Val : constant Integer := X;
@end example
where X is not a static constant, it may be possible, depending
on complex optimization circuitry, for the compiler to figure
out the value of X at compile time, in which case this initialization
can be done by the loader, and requires no initialization code. It
is not possible to document the precise conditions under which the
optimizer can figure this out.
Note that this the implementation of this restriction requires full
code generation. If it is used in conjunction with “semantics only”
checking, then some cases of violations may be missed.
When this restriction is active, we are not requesting control-flow
preservation with -fpreserve-control-flow, and the static elaboration model is
used, the compiler is allowed to suppress the elaboration counter normally
associated with the unit. This counter is typically used to check for access
before elaboration and to control multiple elaboration attempts.
@node No_Dynamic_Accessibility_Checks,No_Dynamic_Sized_Objects,No_Elaboration_Code,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-dynamic-accessibility-checks}@anchor{206}
@subsection No_Dynamic_Accessibility_Checks
@geindex No_Dynamic_Accessibility_Checks
[GNAT] No dynamic accessibility checks are generated when this restriction is
in effect. Instead, dangling references are prevented via more conservative
compile-time checking. More specifically, existing compile-time checks are
enforced but with more conservative assumptions about the accessibility levels
of the relevant entities. These conservative assumptions eliminate the need for
dynamic accessibility checks.
These new rules for computing (at compile-time) the accessibility level of an
anonymous access type T are as follows:
@itemize *
@item
If T is a function result type then, from the caller’s perspective, its level
is that of the innermost master enclosing the function call. From the callee’s
perspective, the level of parameters and local variables of the callee is
statically deeper than the level of T.
For any other accessibility level L such that the level of parameters and local
variables of the callee is statically deeper than L, the level of T (from the
callee’s perspective) is also statically deeper than L.
@item
If T is the type of a formal parameter then, from the caller’s perspective,
its level is at least as deep as that of the type of the corresponding actual
parameter (whatever that actual parameter might be). From the callee’s
perspective, the level of parameters and local variables of the callee is
statically deeper than the level of T.
@item
If T is the type of a discriminant then its level is that of the discriminated
type.
@item
If T is the type of a stand-alone object then its level is the level of the
object.
@item
In all other cases, the level of T is as defined by the existing rules of Ada.
@end itemize
@node No_Dynamic_Sized_Objects,No_Entry_Queue,No_Dynamic_Accessibility_Checks,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-dynamic-sized-objects}@anchor{207}
@subsection No_Dynamic_Sized_Objects
@geindex No_Dynamic_Sized_Objects
[GNAT] This restriction disallows certain constructs that might lead to the
creation of dynamic-sized composite objects (or array or discriminated type).
An array subtype indication is illegal if the bounds are not static
or references to discriminants of an enclosing type.
A discriminated subtype indication is illegal if the type has
discriminant-dependent array components or a variant part, and the
discriminants are not static. In addition, array and record aggregates are
illegal in corresponding cases. Note that this restriction does not forbid
access discriminants. It is often a good idea to combine this restriction
with No_Secondary_Stack.
@node No_Entry_Queue,No_Implementation_Aspect_Specifications,No_Dynamic_Sized_Objects,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-entry-queue}@anchor{208}
@subsection No_Entry_Queue
@geindex No_Entry_Queue
[GNAT] This restriction is a declaration that any protected entry compiled in
the scope of the restriction has at most one task waiting on the entry
at any one time, and so no queue is required. This restriction is not
checked at compile time. A program execution is erroneous if an attempt
is made to queue a second task on such an entry.
@node No_Implementation_Aspect_Specifications,No_Implementation_Attributes,No_Entry_Queue,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implementation-aspect-specifications}@anchor{209}
@subsection No_Implementation_Aspect_Specifications
@geindex No_Implementation_Aspect_Specifications
[RM 13.12.1] This restriction checks at compile time that no
GNAT-defined aspects are present. With this restriction, the only
aspects that can be used are those defined in the Ada Reference Manual.
@node No_Implementation_Attributes,No_Implementation_Identifiers,No_Implementation_Aspect_Specifications,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implementation-attributes}@anchor{20a}
@subsection No_Implementation_Attributes
@geindex No_Implementation_Attributes
[RM 13.12.1] This restriction checks at compile time that no
GNAT-defined attributes are present. With this restriction, the only
attributes that can be used are those defined in the Ada Reference
Manual.
@node No_Implementation_Identifiers,No_Implementation_Pragmas,No_Implementation_Attributes,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implementation-identifiers}@anchor{20b}
@subsection No_Implementation_Identifiers
@geindex No_Implementation_Identifiers
[RM 13.12.1] This restriction checks at compile time that no
implementation-defined identifiers (marked with pragma Implementation_Defined)
occur within language-defined packages.
@node No_Implementation_Pragmas,No_Implementation_Restrictions,No_Implementation_Identifiers,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implementation-pragmas}@anchor{20c}
@subsection No_Implementation_Pragmas
@geindex No_Implementation_Pragmas
[RM 13.12.1] This restriction checks at compile time that no
GNAT-defined pragmas are present. With this restriction, the only
pragmas that can be used are those defined in the Ada Reference Manual.
@node No_Implementation_Restrictions,No_Implementation_Units,No_Implementation_Pragmas,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implementation-restrictions}@anchor{20d}
@subsection No_Implementation_Restrictions
@geindex No_Implementation_Restrictions
[GNAT] This restriction checks at compile time that no GNAT-defined restriction
identifiers (other than @code{No_Implementation_Restrictions} itself)
are present. With this restriction, the only other restriction identifiers
that can be used are those defined in the Ada Reference Manual.
@node No_Implementation_Units,No_Implicit_Aliasing,No_Implementation_Restrictions,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implementation-units}@anchor{20e}
@subsection No_Implementation_Units
@geindex No_Implementation_Units
[RM 13.12.1] This restriction checks at compile time that there is no
mention in the context clause of any implementation-defined descendants
of packages Ada, Interfaces, or System.
@node No_Implicit_Aliasing,No_Implicit_Loops,No_Implementation_Units,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implicit-aliasing}@anchor{20f}
@subsection No_Implicit_Aliasing
@geindex No_Implicit_Aliasing
[GNAT] This restriction, which is not required to be partition-wide consistent,
requires an explicit aliased keyword for an object to which ‘Access,
‘Unchecked_Access, or ‘Address is applied, and forbids entirely the use of
the ‘Unrestricted_Access attribute for objects. Note: the reason that
Unrestricted_Access is forbidden is that it would require the prefix
to be aliased, and in such cases, it can always be replaced by
the standard attribute Unchecked_Access which is preferable.
@node No_Implicit_Loops,No_Obsolescent_Features,No_Implicit_Aliasing,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-implicit-loops}@anchor{210}
@subsection No_Implicit_Loops
@geindex No_Implicit_Loops
[GNAT] This restriction ensures that the generated code of the unit marked
with this restriction does not contain any implicit @code{for} loops, either by
modifying the generated code where possible, or by rejecting any construct
that would otherwise generate an implicit @code{for} loop. If this restriction is
active, it is possible to build large array aggregates with all static
components without generating an intermediate temporary, and without generating
a loop to initialize individual components. Otherwise, a loop is created for
arrays larger than about 5000 scalar components. Note that if this restriction
is set in the spec of a package, it will not apply to its body.
@node No_Obsolescent_Features,No_Wide_Characters,No_Implicit_Loops,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-obsolescent-features}@anchor{211}
@subsection No_Obsolescent_Features
@geindex No_Obsolescent_Features
[RM 13.12.1] This restriction checks at compile time that no obsolescent
features are used, as defined in Annex J of the Ada Reference Manual.
@node No_Wide_Characters,Static_Dispatch_Tables,No_Obsolescent_Features,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions no-wide-characters}@anchor{212}
@subsection No_Wide_Characters
@geindex No_Wide_Characters
[GNAT] This restriction ensures at compile time that no uses of the types
@code{Wide_Character} or @code{Wide_String} or corresponding wide
wide types
appear, and that no wide or wide wide string or character literals
appear in the program (that is literals representing characters not in
type @code{Character}).
@node Static_Dispatch_Tables,SPARK_05,No_Wide_Characters,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions static-dispatch-tables}@anchor{213}
@subsection Static_Dispatch_Tables
@geindex Static_Dispatch_Tables
[GNAT] This restriction checks at compile time that all the artifacts
associated with dispatch tables can be placed in read-only memory.
@node SPARK_05,,Static_Dispatch_Tables,Program Unit Level Restrictions
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_and_implementation_defined_restrictions spark-05}@anchor{214}
@subsection SPARK_05
@geindex SPARK_05
[GNAT] This restriction no longer has any effect and is superseded by
SPARK 2014, whose restrictions are checked by the tool GNATprove. To check that
a codebase respects SPARK 2014 restrictions, mark the code with pragma or
aspect @code{SPARK_Mode}, and run the tool GNATprove at Stone assurance level, as
follows:
@example
gnatprove -P project.gpr --mode=stone
@end example
or equivalently:
@example
gnatprove -P project.gpr --mode=check_all
@end example
@node Implementation Advice,Implementation Defined Characteristics,Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice doc}@anchor{215}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice id1}@anchor{216}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice implementation-advice}@anchor{a}
@chapter Implementation Advice
The main text of the Ada Reference Manual describes the required
behavior of all Ada compilers, and the GNAT compiler conforms to
these requirements.
In addition, there are sections throughout the Ada Reference Manual headed
by the phrase ‘Implementation advice’. These sections are not normative,
i.e., they do not specify requirements that all compilers must
follow. Rather they provide advice on generally desirable behavior.
They are not requirements, because they describe behavior that cannot
be provided on all systems, or may be undesirable on some systems.
As far as practical, GNAT follows the implementation advice in
the Ada Reference Manual. Each such RM section corresponds to a section
in this chapter whose title specifies the
RM section number and paragraph number and the subject of
the advice. The contents of each section consists of the RM text within
quotation marks,
followed by the GNAT interpretation of the advice. Most often, this simply says
‘followed’, which means that GNAT follows the advice. However, in a
number of cases, GNAT deliberately deviates from this advice, in which
case the text describes what GNAT does and why.
@geindex Error detection
@menu
* RM 1.1.3(20); Error Detection: RM 1 1 3 20 Error Detection.
* RM 1.1.3(31); Child Units: RM 1 1 3 31 Child Units.
* RM 1.1.5(12); Bounded Errors: RM 1 1 5 12 Bounded Errors.
* RM 2.8(16); Pragmas: RM 2 8 16 Pragmas.
* RM 2.8(17-19); Pragmas: RM 2 8 17-19 Pragmas.
* RM 3.5.2(5); Alternative Character Sets: RM 3 5 2 5 Alternative Character Sets.
* RM 3.5.4(28); Integer Types: RM 3 5 4 28 Integer Types.
* RM 3.5.4(29); Integer Types: RM 3 5 4 29 Integer Types.
* RM 3.5.5(8); Enumeration Values: RM 3 5 5 8 Enumeration Values.
* RM 3.5.7(17); Float Types: RM 3 5 7 17 Float Types.
* RM 3.6.2(11); Multidimensional Arrays: RM 3 6 2 11 Multidimensional Arrays.
* RM 9.6(30-31); Duration’Small: RM 9 6 30-31 Duration’Small.
* RM 10.2.1(12); Consistent Representation: RM 10 2 1 12 Consistent Representation.
* RM 11.4.1(19); Exception Information: RM 11 4 1 19 Exception Information.
* RM 11.5(28); Suppression of Checks: RM 11 5 28 Suppression of Checks.
* RM 13.1 (21-24); Representation Clauses: RM 13 1 21-24 Representation Clauses.
* RM 13.2(6-8); Packed Types: RM 13 2 6-8 Packed Types.
* RM 13.3(14-19); Address Clauses: RM 13 3 14-19 Address Clauses.
* RM 13.3(29-35); Alignment Clauses: RM 13 3 29-35 Alignment Clauses.
* RM 13.3(42-43); Size Clauses: RM 13 3 42-43 Size Clauses.
* RM 13.3(50-56); Size Clauses: RM 13 3 50-56 Size Clauses.
* RM 13.3(71-73); Component Size Clauses: RM 13 3 71-73 Component Size Clauses.
* RM 13.4(9-10); Enumeration Representation Clauses: RM 13 4 9-10 Enumeration Representation Clauses.
* RM 13.5.1(17-22); Record Representation Clauses: RM 13 5 1 17-22 Record Representation Clauses.
* RM 13.5.2(5); Storage Place Attributes: RM 13 5 2 5 Storage Place Attributes.
* RM 13.5.3(7-8); Bit Ordering: RM 13 5 3 7-8 Bit Ordering.
* RM 13.7(37); Address as Private: RM 13 7 37 Address as Private.
* RM 13.7.1(16); Address Operations: RM 13 7 1 16 Address Operations.
* RM 13.9(14-17); Unchecked Conversion: RM 13 9 14-17 Unchecked Conversion.
* RM 13.11(23-25); Implicit Heap Usage: RM 13 11 23-25 Implicit Heap Usage.
* RM 13.11.2(17); Unchecked Deallocation: RM 13 11 2 17 Unchecked Deallocation.
* RM 13.13.2(1.6); Stream Oriented Attributes: RM 13 13 2 1 6 Stream Oriented Attributes.
* RM A.1(52); Names of Predefined Numeric Types: RM A 1 52 Names of Predefined Numeric Types.
* RM A.3.2(49); Ada.Characters.Handling: RM A 3 2 49 Ada Characters Handling.
* RM A.4.4(106); Bounded-Length String Handling: RM A 4 4 106 Bounded-Length String Handling.
* RM A.5.2(46-47); Random Number Generation: RM A 5 2 46-47 Random Number Generation.
* RM A.10.7(23); Get_Immediate: RM A 10 7 23 Get_Immediate.
* RM A.18; Containers: RM A 18 Containers.
* RM B.1(39-41); Pragma Export: RM B 1 39-41 Pragma Export.
* RM B.2(12-13); Package Interfaces: RM B 2 12-13 Package Interfaces.
* RM B.3(63-71); Interfacing with C: RM B 3 63-71 Interfacing with C.
* RM B.4(95-98); Interfacing with COBOL: RM B 4 95-98 Interfacing with COBOL.
* RM B.5(22-26); Interfacing with Fortran: RM B 5 22-26 Interfacing with Fortran.
* RM C.1(3-5); Access to Machine Operations: RM C 1 3-5 Access to Machine Operations.
* RM C.1(10-16); Access to Machine Operations: RM C 1 10-16 Access to Machine Operations.
* RM C.3(28); Interrupt Support: RM C 3 28 Interrupt Support.
* RM C.3.1(20-21); Protected Procedure Handlers: RM C 3 1 20-21 Protected Procedure Handlers.
* RM C.3.2(25); Package Interrupts: RM C 3 2 25 Package Interrupts.
* RM C.4(14); Pre-elaboration Requirements: RM C 4 14 Pre-elaboration Requirements.
* RM C.5(8); Pragma Discard_Names: RM C 5 8 Pragma Discard_Names.
* RM C.7.2(30); The Package Task_Attributes: RM C 7 2 30 The Package Task_Attributes.
* RM D.3(17); Locking Policies: RM D 3 17 Locking Policies.
* RM D.4(16); Entry Queuing Policies: RM D 4 16 Entry Queuing Policies.
* RM D.6(9-10); Preemptive Abort: RM D 6 9-10 Preemptive Abort.
* RM D.7(21); Tasking Restrictions: RM D 7 21 Tasking Restrictions.
* RM D.8(47-49); Monotonic Time: RM D 8 47-49 Monotonic Time.
* RM E.5(28-29); Partition Communication Subsystem: RM E 5 28-29 Partition Communication Subsystem.
* RM F(7); COBOL Support: RM F 7 COBOL Support.
* RM F.1(2); Decimal Radix Support: RM F 1 2 Decimal Radix Support.
* RM G; Numerics: RM G Numerics.
* RM G.1.1(56-58); Complex Types: RM G 1 1 56-58 Complex Types.
* RM G.1.2(49); Complex Elementary Functions: RM G 1 2 49 Complex Elementary Functions.
* RM G.2.4(19); Accuracy Requirements: RM G 2 4 19 Accuracy Requirements.
* RM G.2.6(15); Complex Arithmetic Accuracy: RM G 2 6 15 Complex Arithmetic Accuracy.
* RM H.6(15/2); Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy: RM H 6 15/2 Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy.
@end menu
@node RM 1 1 3 20 Error Detection,RM 1 1 3 31 Child Units,,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-1-1-3-20-error-detection}@anchor{217}
@section RM 1.1.3(20): Error Detection
@quotation
“If an implementation detects the use of an unsupported Specialized Needs
Annex feature at run time, it should raise @code{Program_Error} if
feasible.”
@end quotation
Not relevant. All specialized needs annex features are either supported,
or diagnosed at compile time.
@geindex Child Units
@node RM 1 1 3 31 Child Units,RM 1 1 5 12 Bounded Errors,RM 1 1 3 20 Error Detection,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-1-1-3-31-child-units}@anchor{218}
@section RM 1.1.3(31): Child Units
@quotation
“If an implementation wishes to provide implementation-defined
extensions to the functionality of a language-defined library unit, it
should normally do so by adding children to the library unit.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Bounded errors
@node RM 1 1 5 12 Bounded Errors,RM 2 8 16 Pragmas,RM 1 1 3 31 Child Units,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-1-1-5-12-bounded-errors}@anchor{219}
@section RM 1.1.5(12): Bounded Errors
@quotation
“If an implementation detects a bounded error or erroneous
execution, it should raise @code{Program_Error}.”
@end quotation
Followed in all cases in which the implementation detects a bounded
error or erroneous execution. Not all such situations are detected at
runtime.
@geindex Pragmas
@node RM 2 8 16 Pragmas,RM 2 8 17-19 Pragmas,RM 1 1 5 12 Bounded Errors,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice id2}@anchor{21a}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-2-8-16-pragmas}@anchor{21b}
@section RM 2.8(16): Pragmas
@quotation
“Normally, implementation-defined pragmas should have no semantic effect
for error-free programs; that is, if the implementation-defined pragmas
are removed from a working program, the program should still be legal,
and should still have the same semantics.”
@end quotation
The following implementation defined pragmas are exceptions to this
rule:
@multitable {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx} {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx}
@headitem
Pragma
@tab
Explanation
@item
@emph{Abort_Defer}
@tab
Affects semantics
@item
@emph{Ada_83}
@tab
Affects legality
@item
@emph{Assert}
@tab
Affects semantics
@item
@emph{CPP_Class}
@tab
Affects semantics
@item
@emph{CPP_Constructor}
@tab
Affects semantics
@item
@emph{Debug}
@tab
Affects semantics
@item
@emph{Interface_Name}
@tab
Affects semantics
@item
@emph{Machine_Attribute}
@tab
Affects semantics
@item
@emph{Unimplemented_Unit}
@tab
Affects legality
@item
@emph{Unchecked_Union}
@tab
Affects semantics
@end multitable
In each of the above cases, it is essential to the purpose of the pragma
that this advice not be followed. For details see
@ref{7,,Implementation Defined Pragmas}.
@node RM 2 8 17-19 Pragmas,RM 3 5 2 5 Alternative Character Sets,RM 2 8 16 Pragmas,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-2-8-17-19-pragmas}@anchor{21c}
@section RM 2.8(17-19): Pragmas
@quotation
“Normally, an implementation should not define pragmas that can
make an illegal program legal, except as follows:
@itemize *
@item
A pragma used to complete a declaration, such as a pragma @code{Import};
@item
A pragma used to configure the environment by adding, removing, or
replacing @code{library_items}.”
@end itemize
@end quotation
See @ref{21b,,RM 2.8(16); Pragmas}.
@geindex Character Sets
@geindex Alternative Character Sets
@node RM 3 5 2 5 Alternative Character Sets,RM 3 5 4 28 Integer Types,RM 2 8 17-19 Pragmas,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-3-5-2-5-alternative-character-sets}@anchor{21d}
@section RM 3.5.2(5): Alternative Character Sets
@quotation
“If an implementation supports a mode with alternative interpretations
for @code{Character} and @code{Wide_Character}, the set of graphic
characters of @code{Character} should nevertheless remain a proper
subset of the set of graphic characters of @code{Wide_Character}. Any
character set ‘localizations’ should be reflected in the results of
the subprograms defined in the language-defined package
@code{Characters.Handling} (see A.3) available in such a mode. In a mode with
an alternative interpretation of @code{Character}, the implementation should
also support a corresponding change in what is a legal
@code{identifier_letter}.”
@end quotation
Not all wide character modes follow this advice, in particular the JIS
and IEC modes reflect standard usage in Japan, and in these encoding,
the upper half of the Latin-1 set is not part of the wide-character
subset, since the most significant bit is used for wide character
encoding. However, this only applies to the external forms. Internally
there is no such restriction.
@geindex Integer types
@node RM 3 5 4 28 Integer Types,RM 3 5 4 29 Integer Types,RM 3 5 2 5 Alternative Character Sets,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-3-5-4-28-integer-types}@anchor{21e}
@section RM 3.5.4(28): Integer Types
@quotation
“An implementation should support @code{Long_Integer} in addition to
@code{Integer} if the target machine supports 32-bit (or longer)
arithmetic. No other named integer subtypes are recommended for package
@code{Standard}. Instead, appropriate named integer subtypes should be
provided in the library package @code{Interfaces} (see B.2).”
@end quotation
@code{Long_Integer} is supported. Other standard integer types are supported
so this advice is not fully followed. These types
are supported for convenient interface to C, and so that all hardware
types of the machine are easily available.
@node RM 3 5 4 29 Integer Types,RM 3 5 5 8 Enumeration Values,RM 3 5 4 28 Integer Types,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-3-5-4-29-integer-types}@anchor{21f}
@section RM 3.5.4(29): Integer Types
@quotation
“An implementation for a two’s complement machine should support
modular types with a binary modulus up to @code{System.Max_Int*2+2}. An
implementation should support a non-binary modules up to @code{Integer'Last}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Enumeration values
@node RM 3 5 5 8 Enumeration Values,RM 3 5 7 17 Float Types,RM 3 5 4 29 Integer Types,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-3-5-5-8-enumeration-values}@anchor{220}
@section RM 3.5.5(8): Enumeration Values
@quotation
“For the evaluation of a call on @code{S'Pos} for an enumeration
subtype, if the value of the operand does not correspond to the internal
code for any enumeration literal of its type (perhaps due to an
un-initialized variable), then the implementation should raise
@code{Program_Error}. This is particularly important for enumeration
types with noncontiguous internal codes specified by an
enumeration_representation_clause.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Float types
@node RM 3 5 7 17 Float Types,RM 3 6 2 11 Multidimensional Arrays,RM 3 5 5 8 Enumeration Values,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-3-5-7-17-float-types}@anchor{221}
@section RM 3.5.7(17): Float Types
@quotation
“An implementation should support @code{Long_Float} in addition to
@code{Float} if the target machine supports 11 or more digits of
precision. No other named floating point subtypes are recommended for
package @code{Standard}. Instead, appropriate named floating point subtypes
should be provided in the library package @code{Interfaces} (see B.2).”
@end quotation
@code{Short_Float} and @code{Long_Long_Float} are also provided. The
former provides improved compatibility with other implementations
supporting this type. The latter corresponds to the highest precision
floating-point type supported by the hardware. On most machines, this
will be the same as @code{Long_Float}, but on some machines, it will
correspond to the IEEE extended form. The notable case is all x86
implementations, where @code{Long_Long_Float} corresponds to the 80-bit
extended precision format supported in hardware on this processor.
Note that the 128-bit format on SPARC is not supported, since this
is a software rather than a hardware format.
@geindex Multidimensional arrays
@geindex Arrays
@geindex multidimensional
@node RM 3 6 2 11 Multidimensional Arrays,RM 9 6 30-31 Duration’Small,RM 3 5 7 17 Float Types,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-3-6-2-11-multidimensional-arrays}@anchor{222}
@section RM 3.6.2(11): Multidimensional Arrays
@quotation
“An implementation should normally represent multidimensional arrays in
row-major order, consistent with the notation used for multidimensional
array aggregates (see 4.3.3). However, if a pragma @code{Convention}
(@code{Fortran}, …) applies to a multidimensional array type, then
column-major order should be used instead (see B.5, @emph{Interfacing with Fortran}).”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Duration'Small
@node RM 9 6 30-31 Duration’Small,RM 10 2 1 12 Consistent Representation,RM 3 6 2 11 Multidimensional Arrays,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-9-6-30-31-duration-small}@anchor{223}
@section RM 9.6(30-31): Duration’Small
@quotation
“Whenever possible in an implementation, the value of @code{Duration'Small}
should be no greater than 100 microseconds.”
@end quotation
Followed. (@code{Duration'Small} = 10**(-9)).
@quotation
“The time base for @code{delay_relative_statements} should be monotonic;
it need not be the same time base as used for @code{Calendar.Clock}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@node RM 10 2 1 12 Consistent Representation,RM 11 4 1 19 Exception Information,RM 9 6 30-31 Duration’Small,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-10-2-1-12-consistent-representation}@anchor{224}
@section RM 10.2.1(12): Consistent Representation
@quotation
“In an implementation, a type declared in a pre-elaborated package should
have the same representation in every elaboration of a given version of
the package, whether the elaborations occur in distinct executions of
the same program, or in executions of distinct programs or partitions
that include the given version.”
@end quotation
Followed, except in the case of tagged types. Tagged types involve
implicit pointers to a local copy of a dispatch table, and these pointers
have representations which thus depend on a particular elaboration of the
package. It is not easy to see how it would be possible to follow this
advice without severely impacting efficiency of execution.
@geindex Exception information
@node RM 11 4 1 19 Exception Information,RM 11 5 28 Suppression of Checks,RM 10 2 1 12 Consistent Representation,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-11-4-1-19-exception-information}@anchor{225}
@section RM 11.4.1(19): Exception Information
@quotation
“@code{Exception_Message} by default and @code{Exception_Information}
should produce information useful for
debugging. @code{Exception_Message} should be short, about one
line. @code{Exception_Information} can be long. @code{Exception_Message}
should not include the
@code{Exception_Name}. @code{Exception_Information} should include both
the @code{Exception_Name} and the @code{Exception_Message}.”
@end quotation
Followed. For each exception that doesn’t have a specified
@code{Exception_Message}, the compiler generates one containing the location
of the raise statement. This location has the form ‘file_name:line’, where
file_name is the short file name (without path information) and line is the line
number in the file. Note that in the case of the Zero Cost Exception
mechanism, these messages become redundant with the Exception_Information that
contains a full backtrace of the calling sequence, so they are disabled.
To disable explicitly the generation of the source location message, use the
Pragma @code{Discard_Names}.
@geindex Suppression of checks
@geindex Checks
@geindex suppression of
@node RM 11 5 28 Suppression of Checks,RM 13 1 21-24 Representation Clauses,RM 11 4 1 19 Exception Information,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-11-5-28-suppression-of-checks}@anchor{226}
@section RM 11.5(28): Suppression of Checks
@quotation
“The implementation should minimize the code executed for checks that
have been suppressed.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Representation clauses
@node RM 13 1 21-24 Representation Clauses,RM 13 2 6-8 Packed Types,RM 11 5 28 Suppression of Checks,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-1-21-24-representation-clauses}@anchor{227}
@section RM 13.1 (21-24): Representation Clauses
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for all representation items is
qualified as follows:
An implementation need not support representation items containing
nonstatic expressions, except that an implementation should support a
representation item for a given entity if each nonstatic expression in
the representation item is a name that statically denotes a constant
declared before the entity.”
@end quotation
Followed. In fact, GNAT goes beyond the recommended level of support
by allowing nonstatic expressions in some representation clauses even
without the need to declare constants initialized with the values of
such expressions.
For example:
@example
X : Integer;
Y : Float;
for Y'Address use X'Address;>>
"An implementation need not support a specification for the `@w{`}Size`@w{`}
for a given composite subtype, nor the size or storage place for an
object (including a component) of a given composite subtype, unless the
constraints on the subtype and its composite subcomponents (if any) are
all static constraints."
@end example
Followed. Size Clauses are not permitted on nonstatic components, as
described above.
@quotation
“An aliased component, or a component whose type is by-reference, should
always be allocated at an addressable location.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Packed types
@node RM 13 2 6-8 Packed Types,RM 13 3 14-19 Address Clauses,RM 13 1 21-24 Representation Clauses,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-2-6-8-packed-types}@anchor{228}
@section RM 13.2(6-8): Packed Types
@quotation
“If a type is packed, then the implementation should try to minimize
storage allocated to objects of the type, possibly at the expense of
speed of accessing components, subject to reasonable complexity in
addressing calculations.
The recommended level of support pragma @code{Pack} is:
For a packed record type, the components should be packed as tightly as
possible subject to the Sizes of the component subtypes, and subject to
any @emph{record_representation_clause} that applies to the type; the
implementation may, but need not, reorder components or cross aligned
word boundaries to improve the packing. A component whose @code{Size} is
greater than the word size may be allocated an integral number of words.”
@end quotation
Followed. Tight packing of arrays is supported for all component sizes
up to 64-bits. If the array component size is 1 (that is to say, if
the component is a boolean type or an enumeration type with two values)
then values of the type are implicitly initialized to zero. This
happens both for objects of the packed type, and for objects that have a
subcomponent of the packed type.
@quotation
“An implementation should support Address clauses for imported
subprograms.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Address clauses
@node RM 13 3 14-19 Address Clauses,RM 13 3 29-35 Alignment Clauses,RM 13 2 6-8 Packed Types,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-3-14-19-address-clauses}@anchor{229}
@section RM 13.3(14-19): Address Clauses
@quotation
“For an array @code{X}, @code{X'Address} should point at the first
component of the array, and not at the array bounds.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for the @code{Address} attribute is:
@code{X'Address} should produce a useful result if @code{X} is an
object that is aliased or of a by-reference type, or is an entity whose
@code{Address} has been specified.”
@end quotation
Followed. A valid address will be produced even if none of those
conditions have been met. If necessary, the object is forced into
memory to ensure the address is valid.
@quotation
“An implementation should support @code{Address} clauses for imported
subprograms.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“Objects (including subcomponents) that are aliased or of a by-reference
type should be allocated on storage element boundaries.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“If the @code{Address} of an object is specified, or it is imported or exported,
then the implementation should not perform optimizations based on
assumptions of no aliases.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Alignment clauses
@node RM 13 3 29-35 Alignment Clauses,RM 13 3 42-43 Size Clauses,RM 13 3 14-19 Address Clauses,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-3-29-35-alignment-clauses}@anchor{22a}
@section RM 13.3(29-35): Alignment Clauses
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for the @code{Alignment} attribute for
subtypes is:
An implementation should support specified Alignments that are factors
and multiples of the number of storage elements per word, subject to the
following:”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An implementation need not support specified Alignments for
combinations of Sizes and Alignments that cannot be easily
loaded and stored by available machine instructions.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An implementation need not support specified Alignments that are
greater than the maximum @code{Alignment} the implementation ever returns by
default.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for the @code{Alignment} attribute for
objects is:
Same as above, for subtypes, but in addition:”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“For stand-alone library-level objects of statically constrained
subtypes, the implementation should support all alignments
supported by the target linker. For example, page alignment is likely to
be supported for such objects, but not for subtypes.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Size clauses
@node RM 13 3 42-43 Size Clauses,RM 13 3 50-56 Size Clauses,RM 13 3 29-35 Alignment Clauses,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-3-42-43-size-clauses}@anchor{22b}
@section RM 13.3(42-43): Size Clauses
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for the @code{Size} attribute of
objects is:
A @code{Size} clause should be supported for an object if the specified
@code{Size} is at least as large as its subtype’s @code{Size}, and
corresponds to a size in storage elements that is a multiple of the
object’s @code{Alignment} (if the @code{Alignment} is nonzero).”
@end quotation
Followed.
@node RM 13 3 50-56 Size Clauses,RM 13 3 71-73 Component Size Clauses,RM 13 3 42-43 Size Clauses,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-3-50-56-size-clauses}@anchor{22c}
@section RM 13.3(50-56): Size Clauses
@quotation
“If the @code{Size} of a subtype is specified, and allows for efficient
independent addressability (see 9.10) on the target architecture, then
the @code{Size} of the following objects of the subtype should equal the
@code{Size} of the subtype:
Aliased objects (including components).”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“@cite{Size} clause on a composite subtype should not affect the
internal layout of components.”
@end quotation
Followed. But note that this can be overridden by use of the implementation
pragma Implicit_Packing in the case of packed arrays.
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for the @code{Size} attribute of subtypes is:
The @code{Size} (if not specified) of a static discrete or fixed point
subtype should be the number of bits needed to represent each value
belonging to the subtype using an unbiased representation, leaving space
for a sign bit only if the subtype contains negative values. If such a
subtype is a first subtype, then an implementation should support a
specified @code{Size} for it that reflects this representation.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“For a subtype implemented with levels of indirection, the @code{Size}
should include the size of the pointers, but not the size of what they
point at.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Component_Size clauses
@node RM 13 3 71-73 Component Size Clauses,RM 13 4 9-10 Enumeration Representation Clauses,RM 13 3 50-56 Size Clauses,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-3-71-73-component-size-clauses}@anchor{22d}
@section RM 13.3(71-73): Component Size Clauses
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for the @code{Component_Size}
attribute is:
An implementation need not support specified @code{Component_Sizes} that are
less than the @code{Size} of the component subtype.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An implementation should support specified Component_Sizes that
are factors and multiples of the word size. For such
Component_Sizes, the array should contain no gaps between
components. For other Component_Sizes (if supported), the array
should contain no gaps between components when packing is also
specified; the implementation should forbid this combination in cases
where it cannot support a no-gaps representation.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Enumeration representation clauses
@geindex Representation clauses
@geindex enumeration
@node RM 13 4 9-10 Enumeration Representation Clauses,RM 13 5 1 17-22 Record Representation Clauses,RM 13 3 71-73 Component Size Clauses,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-4-9-10-enumeration-representation-clauses}@anchor{22e}
@section RM 13.4(9-10): Enumeration Representation Clauses
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for enumeration representation clauses
is:
An implementation need not support enumeration representation clauses
for boolean types, but should at minimum support the internal codes in
the range @code{System.Min_Int .. System.Max_Int}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Record representation clauses
@geindex Representation clauses
@geindex records
@node RM 13 5 1 17-22 Record Representation Clauses,RM 13 5 2 5 Storage Place Attributes,RM 13 4 9-10 Enumeration Representation Clauses,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-5-1-17-22-record-representation-clauses}@anchor{22f}
@section RM 13.5.1(17-22): Record Representation Clauses
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for
@emph{record_representation_clause}s is:
An implementation should support storage places that can be extracted
with a load, mask, shift sequence of machine code, and set with a load,
shift, mask, store sequence, given the available machine instructions
and run-time model.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“A storage place should be supported if its size is equal to the
@code{Size} of the component subtype, and it starts and ends on a
boundary that obeys the @code{Alignment} of the component subtype.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“If the default bit ordering applies to the declaration of a given type,
then for a component whose subtype’s @code{Size} is less than the word
size, any storage place that does not cross an aligned word boundary
should be supported.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An implementation may reserve a storage place for the tag field of a
tagged type, and disallow other components from overlapping that place.”
@end quotation
Followed. The storage place for the tag field is the beginning of the tagged
record, and its size is Address’Size. GNAT will reject an explicit component
clause for the tag field.
@quotation
“An implementation need not support a @emph{component_clause} for a
component of an extension part if the storage place is not after the
storage places of all components of the parent type, whether or not
those storage places had been specified.”
@end quotation
Followed. The above advice on record representation clauses is followed,
and all mentioned features are implemented.
@geindex Storage place attributes
@node RM 13 5 2 5 Storage Place Attributes,RM 13 5 3 7-8 Bit Ordering,RM 13 5 1 17-22 Record Representation Clauses,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-5-2-5-storage-place-attributes}@anchor{230}
@section RM 13.5.2(5): Storage Place Attributes
@quotation
“If a component is represented using some form of pointer (such as an
offset) to the actual data of the component, and this data is contiguous
with the rest of the object, then the storage place attributes should
reflect the place of the actual data, not the pointer. If a component is
allocated discontinuously from the rest of the object, then a warning
should be generated upon reference to one of its storage place
attributes.”
@end quotation
Followed. There are no such components in GNAT.
@geindex Bit ordering
@node RM 13 5 3 7-8 Bit Ordering,RM 13 7 37 Address as Private,RM 13 5 2 5 Storage Place Attributes,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-5-3-7-8-bit-ordering}@anchor{231}
@section RM 13.5.3(7-8): Bit Ordering
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for the non-default bit ordering is:
If @code{Word_Size} = @code{Storage_Unit}, then the implementation
should support the non-default bit ordering in addition to the default
bit ordering.”
@end quotation
Followed. Word size does not equal storage size in this implementation.
Thus non-default bit ordering is not supported.
@geindex Address
@geindex as private type
@node RM 13 7 37 Address as Private,RM 13 7 1 16 Address Operations,RM 13 5 3 7-8 Bit Ordering,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-7-37-address-as-private}@anchor{232}
@section RM 13.7(37): Address as Private
@quotation
“@cite{Address} should be of a private type.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Operations
@geindex on `@w{`}Address`@w{`}
@geindex Address
@geindex operations of
@node RM 13 7 1 16 Address Operations,RM 13 9 14-17 Unchecked Conversion,RM 13 7 37 Address as Private,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-7-1-16-address-operations}@anchor{233}
@section RM 13.7.1(16): Address Operations
@quotation
“Operations in @code{System} and its children should reflect the target
environment semantics as closely as is reasonable. For example, on most
machines, it makes sense for address arithmetic to ‘wrap around’.
Operations that do not make sense should raise @code{Program_Error}.”
@end quotation
Followed. Address arithmetic is modular arithmetic that wraps around. No
operation raises @code{Program_Error}, since all operations make sense.
@geindex Unchecked conversion
@node RM 13 9 14-17 Unchecked Conversion,RM 13 11 23-25 Implicit Heap Usage,RM 13 7 1 16 Address Operations,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-9-14-17-unchecked-conversion}@anchor{234}
@section RM 13.9(14-17): Unchecked Conversion
@quotation
“The @code{Size} of an array object should not include its bounds; hence,
the bounds should not be part of the converted data.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“The implementation should not generate unnecessary run-time checks to
ensure that the representation of @code{S} is a representation of the
target type. It should take advantage of the permission to return by
reference when possible. Restrictions on unchecked conversions should be
avoided unless required by the target environment.”
@end quotation
Followed. There are no restrictions on unchecked conversion. A warning is
generated if the source and target types do not have the same size since
the semantics in this case may be target dependent.
@quotation
“The recommended level of support for unchecked conversions is:
Unchecked conversions should be supported and should be reversible in
the cases where this clause defines the result. To enable meaningful use
of unchecked conversion, a contiguous representation should be used for
elementary subtypes, for statically constrained array subtypes whose
component subtype is one of the subtypes described in this paragraph,
and for record subtypes without discriminants whose component subtypes
are described in this paragraph.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Heap usage
@geindex implicit
@node RM 13 11 23-25 Implicit Heap Usage,RM 13 11 2 17 Unchecked Deallocation,RM 13 9 14-17 Unchecked Conversion,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-11-23-25-implicit-heap-usage}@anchor{235}
@section RM 13.11(23-25): Implicit Heap Usage
@quotation
“An implementation should document any cases in which it dynamically
allocates heap storage for a purpose other than the evaluation of an
allocator.”
@end quotation
Followed, the only other points at which heap storage is dynamically
allocated are as follows:
@itemize *
@item
At initial elaboration time, to allocate dynamically sized global
objects.
@item
To allocate space for a task when a task is created.
@item
To extend the secondary stack dynamically when needed. The secondary
stack is used for returning variable length results.
@end itemize
@quotation
“A default (implementation-provided) storage pool for an
access-to-constant type should not have overhead to support deallocation of
individual objects.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“A storage pool for an anonymous access type should be created at the
point of an allocator for the type, and be reclaimed when the designated
object becomes inaccessible.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Unchecked deallocation
@node RM 13 11 2 17 Unchecked Deallocation,RM 13 13 2 1 6 Stream Oriented Attributes,RM 13 11 23-25 Implicit Heap Usage,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-11-2-17-unchecked-deallocation}@anchor{236}
@section RM 13.11.2(17): Unchecked Deallocation
@quotation
“For a standard storage pool, @code{Free} should actually reclaim the
storage.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Stream oriented attributes
@node RM 13 13 2 1 6 Stream Oriented Attributes,RM A 1 52 Names of Predefined Numeric Types,RM 13 11 2 17 Unchecked Deallocation,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-13-13-2-1-6-stream-oriented-attributes}@anchor{237}
@section RM 13.13.2(1.6): Stream Oriented Attributes
@quotation
“If not specified, the value of Stream_Size for an elementary type
should be the number of bits that corresponds to the minimum number of
stream elements required by the first subtype of the type, rounded up
to the nearest factor or multiple of the word size that is also a
multiple of the stream element size.”
@end quotation
Followed, except that the number of stream elements is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8.
The Stream_Size may be used to override the default choice.
The default implementation is based on direct binary representations and is
therefore target- and endianness-dependent. To address this issue, GNAT also
supplies an alternate implementation of the stream attributes @code{Read} and
@code{Write}, which uses the target-independent XDR standard representation for
scalar types. This XDR alternative can be enabled via the binder switch -xdr.
@geindex XDR representation
@geindex Read attribute
@geindex Write attribute
@geindex Stream oriented attributes
@node RM A 1 52 Names of Predefined Numeric Types,RM A 3 2 49 Ada Characters Handling,RM 13 13 2 1 6 Stream Oriented Attributes,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-a-1-52-names-of-predefined-numeric-types}@anchor{238}
@section RM A.1(52): Names of Predefined Numeric Types
@quotation
“If an implementation provides additional named predefined integer types,
then the names should end with @code{Integer} as in
@code{Long_Integer}. If an implementation provides additional named
predefined floating point types, then the names should end with
@code{Float} as in @code{Long_Float}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Ada.Characters.Handling
@node RM A 3 2 49 Ada Characters Handling,RM A 4 4 106 Bounded-Length String Handling,RM A 1 52 Names of Predefined Numeric Types,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-a-3-2-49-ada-characters-handling}@anchor{239}
@section RM A.3.2(49): @code{Ada.Characters.Handling}
@quotation
“If an implementation provides a localized definition of @code{Character}
or @code{Wide_Character}, then the effects of the subprograms in
@code{Characters.Handling} should reflect the localizations.
See also 3.5.2.”
@end quotation
Followed. GNAT provides no such localized definitions.
@geindex Bounded-length strings
@node RM A 4 4 106 Bounded-Length String Handling,RM A 5 2 46-47 Random Number Generation,RM A 3 2 49 Ada Characters Handling,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-a-4-4-106-bounded-length-string-handling}@anchor{23a}
@section RM A.4.4(106): Bounded-Length String Handling
@quotation
“Bounded string objects should not be implemented by implicit pointers
and dynamic allocation.”
@end quotation
Followed. No implicit pointers or dynamic allocation are used.
@geindex Random number generation
@node RM A 5 2 46-47 Random Number Generation,RM A 10 7 23 Get_Immediate,RM A 4 4 106 Bounded-Length String Handling,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-a-5-2-46-47-random-number-generation}@anchor{23b}
@section RM A.5.2(46-47): Random Number Generation
@quotation
“Any storage associated with an object of type @code{Generator} should be
reclaimed on exit from the scope of the object.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“If the generator period is sufficiently long in relation to the number
of distinct initiator values, then each possible value of
@code{Initiator} passed to @code{Reset} should initiate a sequence of
random numbers that does not, in a practical sense, overlap the sequence
initiated by any other value. If this is not possible, then the mapping
between initiator values and generator states should be a rapidly
varying function of the initiator value.”
@end quotation
Followed. The generator period is sufficiently long for the first
condition here to hold true.
@geindex Get_Immediate
@node RM A 10 7 23 Get_Immediate,RM A 18 Containers,RM A 5 2 46-47 Random Number Generation,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-a-10-7-23-get-immediate}@anchor{23c}
@section RM A.10.7(23): @code{Get_Immediate}
@quotation
“The @code{Get_Immediate} procedures should be implemented with
unbuffered input. For a device such as a keyboard, input should be
available if a key has already been typed, whereas for a disk
file, input should always be available except at end of file. For a file
associated with a keyboard-like device, any line-editing features of the
underlying operating system should be disabled during the execution of
@code{Get_Immediate}.”
@end quotation
Followed on all targets except VxWorks. For VxWorks, there is no way to
provide this functionality that does not result in the input buffer being
flushed before the @code{Get_Immediate} call. A special unit
@code{Interfaces.Vxworks.IO} is provided that contains routines to enable
this functionality.
@geindex Containers
@node RM A 18 Containers,RM B 1 39-41 Pragma Export,RM A 10 7 23 Get_Immediate,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-a-18-containers}@anchor{23d}
@section RM A.18: @code{Containers}
All implementation advice pertaining to Ada.Containers and its
child units (that is, all implementation advice occurring within
section A.18 and its subsections) is followed except for A.18.24(17):
@quotation
“Bounded ordered set objects should be implemented without implicit pointers or dynamic allocation. “
@end quotation
The implementations of the two Reference_Preserving_Key functions of
the generic package Ada.Containers.Bounded_Ordered_Sets each currently make
use of dynamic allocation; other operations on bounded ordered set objects
follow the implementation advice.
@geindex Export
@node RM B 1 39-41 Pragma Export,RM B 2 12-13 Package Interfaces,RM A 18 Containers,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-b-1-39-41-pragma-export}@anchor{23e}
@section RM B.1(39-41): Pragma @code{Export}
@quotation
“If an implementation supports pragma @code{Export} to a given language,
then it should also allow the main subprogram to be written in that
language. It should support some mechanism for invoking the elaboration
of the Ada library units included in the system, and for invoking the
finalization of the environment task. On typical systems, the
recommended mechanism is to provide two subprograms whose link names are
@code{adainit} and @code{adafinal}. @code{adainit} should contain the
elaboration code for library units. @code{adafinal} should contain the
finalization code. These subprograms should have no effect the second
and subsequent time they are called.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“Automatic elaboration of pre-elaborated packages should be
provided when pragma @code{Export} is supported.”
@end quotation
Followed when the main program is in Ada. If the main program is in a
foreign language, then
@code{adainit} must be called to elaborate pre-elaborated
packages.
@quotation
“For each supported convention @emph{L} other than @code{Intrinsic}, an
implementation should support @code{Import} and @code{Export} pragmas
for objects of @emph{L}-compatible types and for subprograms, and pragma
@cite{Convention} for @emph{L}-eligible types and for subprograms,
presuming the other language has corresponding features. Pragma
@code{Convention} need not be supported for scalar types.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Package Interfaces
@geindex Interfaces
@node RM B 2 12-13 Package Interfaces,RM B 3 63-71 Interfacing with C,RM B 1 39-41 Pragma Export,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-b-2-12-13-package-interfaces}@anchor{23f}
@section RM B.2(12-13): Package @code{Interfaces}
@quotation
“For each implementation-defined convention identifier, there should be a
child package of package Interfaces with the corresponding name. This
package should contain any declarations that would be useful for
interfacing to the language (implementation) represented by the
convention. Any declarations useful for interfacing to any language on
the given hardware architecture should be provided directly in
@code{Interfaces}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An implementation supporting an interface to C, COBOL, or Fortran should
provide the corresponding package or packages described in the following
clauses.”
@end quotation
Followed. GNAT provides all the packages described in this section.
@geindex C
@geindex interfacing with
@node RM B 3 63-71 Interfacing with C,RM B 4 95-98 Interfacing with COBOL,RM B 2 12-13 Package Interfaces,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-b-3-63-71-interfacing-with-c}@anchor{240}
@section RM B.3(63-71): Interfacing with C
@quotation
“An implementation should support the following interface correspondences
between Ada and C.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada procedure corresponds to a void-returning C function.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada function corresponds to a non-void C function.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada @code{in} scalar parameter is passed as a scalar argument to a C
function.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada @code{in} parameter of an access-to-object type with designated
type @code{T} is passed as a @code{t*} argument to a C function,
where @code{t} is the C type corresponding to the Ada type @code{T}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada access @code{T} parameter, or an Ada @code{out} or @code{in out}
parameter of an elementary type @code{T}, is passed as a @code{t*}
argument to a C function, where @code{t} is the C type corresponding to
the Ada type @code{T}. In the case of an elementary @code{out} or
@code{in out} parameter, a pointer to a temporary copy is used to
preserve by-copy semantics.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada parameter of a record type @code{T}, of any mode, is passed as a
@code{t*} argument to a C function, where @code{t} is the C
structure corresponding to the Ada type @code{T}.”
@end quotation
Followed. This convention may be overridden by the use of the C_Pass_By_Copy
pragma, or Convention, or by explicitly specifying the mechanism for a given
call using an extended import or export pragma.
@quotation
“An Ada parameter of an array type with component type @code{T}, of any
mode, is passed as a @code{t*} argument to a C function, where
@code{t} is the C type corresponding to the Ada type @code{T}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada parameter of an access-to-subprogram type is passed as a pointer
to a C function whose prototype corresponds to the designated
subprogram’s specification.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex COBOL
@geindex interfacing with
@node RM B 4 95-98 Interfacing with COBOL,RM B 5 22-26 Interfacing with Fortran,RM B 3 63-71 Interfacing with C,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-b-4-95-98-interfacing-with-cobol}@anchor{241}
@section RM B.4(95-98): Interfacing with COBOL
@quotation
“An Ada implementation should support the following interface
correspondences between Ada and COBOL.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada access @code{T} parameter is passed as a @code{BY REFERENCE} data item of
the COBOL type corresponding to @code{T}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada in scalar parameter is passed as a @code{BY CONTENT} data item of
the corresponding COBOL type.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“Any other Ada parameter is passed as a @code{BY REFERENCE} data item of the
COBOL type corresponding to the Ada parameter type; for scalars, a local
copy is used if necessary to ensure by-copy semantics.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Fortran
@geindex interfacing with
@node RM B 5 22-26 Interfacing with Fortran,RM C 1 3-5 Access to Machine Operations,RM B 4 95-98 Interfacing with COBOL,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-b-5-22-26-interfacing-with-fortran}@anchor{242}
@section RM B.5(22-26): Interfacing with Fortran
@quotation
“An Ada implementation should support the following interface
correspondences between Ada and Fortran:”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada procedure corresponds to a Fortran subroutine.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada function corresponds to a Fortran function.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada parameter of an elementary, array, or record type @code{T} is
passed as a @code{T} argument to a Fortran procedure, where @code{T} is
the Fortran type corresponding to the Ada type @code{T}, and where the
INTENT attribute of the corresponding dummy argument matches the Ada
formal parameter mode; the Fortran implementation’s parameter passing
conventions are used. For elementary types, a local copy is used if
necessary to ensure by-copy semantics.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“An Ada parameter of an access-to-subprogram type is passed as a
reference to a Fortran procedure whose interface corresponds to the
designated subprogram’s specification.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Machine operations
@node RM C 1 3-5 Access to Machine Operations,RM C 1 10-16 Access to Machine Operations,RM B 5 22-26 Interfacing with Fortran,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-c-1-3-5-access-to-machine-operations}@anchor{243}
@section RM C.1(3-5): Access to Machine Operations
@quotation
“The machine code or intrinsic support should allow access to all
operations normally available to assembly language programmers for the
target environment, including privileged instructions, if any.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“The interfacing pragmas (see Annex B) should support interface to
assembler; the default assembler should be associated with the
convention identifier @code{Assembler}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“If an entity is exported to assembly language, then the implementation
should allocate it at an addressable location, and should ensure that it
is retained by the linking process, even if not otherwise referenced
from the Ada code. The implementation should assume that any call to a
machine code or assembler subprogram is allowed to read or update every
object that is specified as exported.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@node RM C 1 10-16 Access to Machine Operations,RM C 3 28 Interrupt Support,RM C 1 3-5 Access to Machine Operations,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-c-1-10-16-access-to-machine-operations}@anchor{244}
@section RM C.1(10-16): Access to Machine Operations
@quotation
“The implementation should ensure that little or no overhead is
associated with calling intrinsic and machine-code subprograms.”
@end quotation
Followed for both intrinsics and machine-code subprograms.
@quotation
“It is recommended that intrinsic subprograms be provided for convenient
access to any machine operations that provide special capabilities or
efficiency and that are not otherwise available through the language
constructs.”
@end quotation
Followed. A full set of machine operation intrinsic subprograms is provided.
@quotation
“Atomic read-modify-write operations—e.g., test and set, compare and
swap, decrement and test, enqueue/dequeue.”
@end quotation
Followed on any target supporting such operations.
@quotation
“Standard numeric functions—e.g.:, sin, log.”
@end quotation
Followed on any target supporting such operations.
@quotation
“String manipulation operations—e.g.:, translate and test.”
@end quotation
Followed on any target supporting such operations.
@quotation
“Vector operations—e.g.:, compare vector against thresholds.”
@end quotation
Followed on any target supporting such operations.
@quotation
“Direct operations on I/O ports.”
@end quotation
Followed on any target supporting such operations.
@geindex Interrupt support
@node RM C 3 28 Interrupt Support,RM C 3 1 20-21 Protected Procedure Handlers,RM C 1 10-16 Access to Machine Operations,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-c-3-28-interrupt-support}@anchor{245}
@section RM C.3(28): Interrupt Support
@quotation
“If the @code{Ceiling_Locking} policy is not in effect, the
implementation should provide means for the application to specify which
interrupts are to be blocked during protected actions, if the underlying
system allows for a finer-grain control of interrupt blocking.”
@end quotation
Followed. The underlying system does not allow for finer-grain control
of interrupt blocking.
@geindex Protected procedure handlers
@node RM C 3 1 20-21 Protected Procedure Handlers,RM C 3 2 25 Package Interrupts,RM C 3 28 Interrupt Support,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-c-3-1-20-21-protected-procedure-handlers}@anchor{246}
@section RM C.3.1(20-21): Protected Procedure Handlers
@quotation
“Whenever possible, the implementation should allow interrupt handlers to
be called directly by the hardware.”
@end quotation
Followed on any target where the underlying operating system permits
such direct calls.
@quotation
“Whenever practical, violations of any
implementation-defined restrictions should be detected before run time.”
@end quotation
Followed. Compile time warnings are given when possible.
@geindex Package `@w{`}Interrupts`@w{`}
@geindex Interrupts
@node RM C 3 2 25 Package Interrupts,RM C 4 14 Pre-elaboration Requirements,RM C 3 1 20-21 Protected Procedure Handlers,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-c-3-2-25-package-interrupts}@anchor{247}
@section RM C.3.2(25): Package @code{Interrupts}
@quotation
“If implementation-defined forms of interrupt handler procedures are
supported, such as protected procedures with parameters, then for each
such form of a handler, a type analogous to @code{Parameterless_Handler}
should be specified in a child package of @code{Interrupts}, with the
same operations as in the predefined package Interrupts.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Pre-elaboration requirements
@node RM C 4 14 Pre-elaboration Requirements,RM C 5 8 Pragma Discard_Names,RM C 3 2 25 Package Interrupts,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-c-4-14-pre-elaboration-requirements}@anchor{248}
@section RM C.4(14): Pre-elaboration Requirements
@quotation
“It is recommended that pre-elaborated packages be implemented in such a
way that there should be little or no code executed at run time for the
elaboration of entities not already covered by the Implementation
Requirements.”
@end quotation
Followed. Executable code is generated in some cases, e.g., loops
to initialize large arrays.
@node RM C 5 8 Pragma Discard_Names,RM C 7 2 30 The Package Task_Attributes,RM C 4 14 Pre-elaboration Requirements,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-c-5-8-pragma-discard-names}@anchor{249}
@section RM C.5(8): Pragma @code{Discard_Names}
@quotation
“If the pragma applies to an entity, then the implementation should
reduce the amount of storage used for storing names associated with that
entity.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Package Task_Attributes
@geindex Task_Attributes
@node RM C 7 2 30 The Package Task_Attributes,RM D 3 17 Locking Policies,RM C 5 8 Pragma Discard_Names,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-c-7-2-30-the-package-task-attributes}@anchor{24a}
@section RM C.7.2(30): The Package Task_Attributes
@quotation
“Some implementations are targeted to domains in which memory use at run
time must be completely deterministic. For such implementations, it is
recommended that the storage for task attributes will be pre-allocated
statically and not from the heap. This can be accomplished by either
placing restrictions on the number and the size of the task’s
attributes, or by using the pre-allocated storage for the first @code{N}
attribute objects, and the heap for the others. In the latter case,
@code{N} should be documented.”
@end quotation
Not followed. This implementation is not targeted to such a domain.
@geindex Locking Policies
@node RM D 3 17 Locking Policies,RM D 4 16 Entry Queuing Policies,RM C 7 2 30 The Package Task_Attributes,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-d-3-17-locking-policies}@anchor{24b}
@section RM D.3(17): Locking Policies
@quotation
“The implementation should use names that end with @code{_Locking} for
locking policies defined by the implementation.”
@end quotation
Followed. Two implementation-defined locking policies are defined,
whose names (@code{Inheritance_Locking} and
@code{Concurrent_Readers_Locking}) follow this suggestion.
@geindex Entry queuing policies
@node RM D 4 16 Entry Queuing Policies,RM D 6 9-10 Preemptive Abort,RM D 3 17 Locking Policies,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-d-4-16-entry-queuing-policies}@anchor{24c}
@section RM D.4(16): Entry Queuing Policies
@quotation
“Names that end with @code{_Queuing} should be used
for all implementation-defined queuing policies.”
@end quotation
Followed. No such implementation-defined queuing policies exist.
@geindex Preemptive abort
@node RM D 6 9-10 Preemptive Abort,RM D 7 21 Tasking Restrictions,RM D 4 16 Entry Queuing Policies,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-d-6-9-10-preemptive-abort}@anchor{24d}
@section RM D.6(9-10): Preemptive Abort
@quotation
“Even though the @emph{abort_statement} is included in the list of
potentially blocking operations (see 9.5.1), it is recommended that this
statement be implemented in a way that never requires the task executing
the @emph{abort_statement} to block.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“On a multi-processor, the delay associated with aborting a task on
another processor should be bounded; the implementation should use
periodic polling, if necessary, to achieve this.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Tasking restrictions
@node RM D 7 21 Tasking Restrictions,RM D 8 47-49 Monotonic Time,RM D 6 9-10 Preemptive Abort,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-d-7-21-tasking-restrictions}@anchor{24e}
@section RM D.7(21): Tasking Restrictions
@quotation
“When feasible, the implementation should take advantage of the specified
restrictions to produce a more efficient implementation.”
@end quotation
GNAT currently takes advantage of these restrictions by providing an optimized
run time when the Ravenscar profile and the GNAT restricted run time set
of restrictions are specified. See pragma @code{Profile (Ravenscar)} and
pragma @code{Profile (Restricted)} for more details.
@geindex Time
@geindex monotonic
@node RM D 8 47-49 Monotonic Time,RM E 5 28-29 Partition Communication Subsystem,RM D 7 21 Tasking Restrictions,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-d-8-47-49-monotonic-time}@anchor{24f}
@section RM D.8(47-49): Monotonic Time
@quotation
“When appropriate, implementations should provide configuration
mechanisms to change the value of @code{Tick}.”
@end quotation
Such configuration mechanisms are not appropriate to this implementation
and are thus not supported.
@quotation
“It is recommended that @code{Calendar.Clock} and @code{Real_Time.Clock}
be implemented as transformations of the same time base.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@quotation
“It is recommended that the best time base which exists in
the underlying system be available to the application through
@code{Clock}. @cite{Best} may mean highest accuracy or largest range.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Partition communication subsystem
@geindex PCS
@node RM E 5 28-29 Partition Communication Subsystem,RM F 7 COBOL Support,RM D 8 47-49 Monotonic Time,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-e-5-28-29-partition-communication-subsystem}@anchor{250}
@section RM E.5(28-29): Partition Communication Subsystem
@quotation
“Whenever possible, the PCS on the called partition should allow for
multiple tasks to call the RPC-receiver with different messages and
should allow them to block until the corresponding subprogram body
returns.”
@end quotation
Followed by GLADE, a separately supplied PCS that can be used with
GNAT.
@quotation
“The @code{Write} operation on a stream of type @code{Params_Stream_Type}
should raise @code{Storage_Error} if it runs out of space trying to
write the @code{Item} into the stream.”
@end quotation
Followed by GLADE, a separately supplied PCS that can be used with
GNAT.
@geindex COBOL support
@node RM F 7 COBOL Support,RM F 1 2 Decimal Radix Support,RM E 5 28-29 Partition Communication Subsystem,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-f-7-cobol-support}@anchor{251}
@section RM F(7): COBOL Support
@quotation
“If COBOL (respectively, C) is widely supported in the target
environment, implementations supporting the Information Systems Annex
should provide the child package @code{Interfaces.COBOL} (respectively,
@code{Interfaces.C}) specified in Annex B and should support a
@code{convention_identifier} of COBOL (respectively, C) in the interfacing
pragmas (see Annex B), thus allowing Ada programs to interface with
programs written in that language.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Decimal radix support
@node RM F 1 2 Decimal Radix Support,RM G Numerics,RM F 7 COBOL Support,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-f-1-2-decimal-radix-support}@anchor{252}
@section RM F.1(2): Decimal Radix Support
@quotation
“Packed decimal should be used as the internal representation for objects
of subtype @code{S} when @code{S}’Machine_Radix = 10.”
@end quotation
Not followed. GNAT ignores @code{S}’Machine_Radix and always uses binary
representations.
@geindex Numerics
@node RM G Numerics,RM G 1 1 56-58 Complex Types,RM F 1 2 Decimal Radix Support,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-g-numerics}@anchor{253}
@section RM G: Numerics
@quotation
“If Fortran (respectively, C) is widely supported in the target
environment, implementations supporting the Numerics Annex
should provide the child package @code{Interfaces.Fortran} (respectively,
@code{Interfaces.C}) specified in Annex B and should support a
@code{convention_identifier} of Fortran (respectively, C) in the interfacing
pragmas (see Annex B), thus allowing Ada programs to interface with
programs written in that language.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Complex types
@node RM G 1 1 56-58 Complex Types,RM G 1 2 49 Complex Elementary Functions,RM G Numerics,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-g-1-1-56-58-complex-types}@anchor{254}
@section RM G.1.1(56-58): Complex Types
@quotation
“Because the usual mathematical meaning of multiplication of a complex
operand and a real operand is that of the scaling of both components of
the former by the latter, an implementation should not perform this
operation by first promoting the real operand to complex type and then
performing a full complex multiplication. In systems that, in the
future, support an Ada binding to IEC 559:1989, the latter technique
will not generate the required result when one of the components of the
complex operand is infinite. (Explicit multiplication of the infinite
component by the zero component obtained during promotion yields a NaN
that propagates into the final result.) Analogous advice applies in the
case of multiplication of a complex operand and a pure-imaginary
operand, and in the case of division of a complex operand by a real or
pure-imaginary operand.”
@end quotation
Not followed.
@quotation
“Similarly, because the usual mathematical meaning of addition of a
complex operand and a real operand is that the imaginary operand remains
unchanged, an implementation should not perform this operation by first
promoting the real operand to complex type and then performing a full
complex addition. In implementations in which the @code{Signed_Zeros}
attribute of the component type is @code{True} (and which therefore
conform to IEC 559:1989 in regard to the handling of the sign of zero in
predefined arithmetic operations), the latter technique will not
generate the required result when the imaginary component of the complex
operand is a negatively signed zero. (Explicit addition of the negative
zero to the zero obtained during promotion yields a positive zero.)
Analogous advice applies in the case of addition of a complex operand
and a pure-imaginary operand, and in the case of subtraction of a
complex operand and a real or pure-imaginary operand.”
@end quotation
Not followed.
@quotation
“Implementations in which @code{Real'Signed_Zeros} is @code{True} should
attempt to provide a rational treatment of the signs of zero results and
result components. As one example, the result of the @code{Argument}
function should have the sign of the imaginary component of the
parameter @code{X} when the point represented by that parameter lies on
the positive real axis; as another, the sign of the imaginary component
of the @code{Compose_From_Polar} function should be the same as
(respectively, the opposite of) that of the @code{Argument} parameter when that
parameter has a value of zero and the @code{Modulus} parameter has a
nonnegative (respectively, negative) value.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Complex elementary functions
@node RM G 1 2 49 Complex Elementary Functions,RM G 2 4 19 Accuracy Requirements,RM G 1 1 56-58 Complex Types,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-g-1-2-49-complex-elementary-functions}@anchor{255}
@section RM G.1.2(49): Complex Elementary Functions
@quotation
“Implementations in which @code{Complex_Types.Real'Signed_Zeros} is
@code{True} should attempt to provide a rational treatment of the signs
of zero results and result components. For example, many of the complex
elementary functions have components that are odd functions of one of
the parameter components; in these cases, the result component should
have the sign of the parameter component at the origin. Other complex
elementary functions have zero components whose sign is opposite that of
a parameter component at the origin, or is always positive or always
negative.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Accuracy requirements
@node RM G 2 4 19 Accuracy Requirements,RM G 2 6 15 Complex Arithmetic Accuracy,RM G 1 2 49 Complex Elementary Functions,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-g-2-4-19-accuracy-requirements}@anchor{256}
@section RM G.2.4(19): Accuracy Requirements
@quotation
“The versions of the forward trigonometric functions without a
@code{Cycle} parameter should not be implemented by calling the
corresponding version with a @code{Cycle} parameter of
@code{2.0*Numerics.Pi}, since this will not provide the required
accuracy in some portions of the domain. For the same reason, the
version of @code{Log} without a @code{Base} parameter should not be
implemented by calling the corresponding version with a @code{Base}
parameter of @code{Numerics.e}.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Complex arithmetic accuracy
@geindex Accuracy
@geindex complex arithmetic
@node RM G 2 6 15 Complex Arithmetic Accuracy,RM H 6 15/2 Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy,RM G 2 4 19 Accuracy Requirements,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-g-2-6-15-complex-arithmetic-accuracy}@anchor{257}
@section RM G.2.6(15): Complex Arithmetic Accuracy
@quotation
“The version of the @code{Compose_From_Polar} function without a
@code{Cycle} parameter should not be implemented by calling the
corresponding version with a @code{Cycle} parameter of
@code{2.0*Numerics.Pi}, since this will not provide the required
accuracy in some portions of the domain.”
@end quotation
Followed.
@geindex Sequential elaboration policy
@node RM H 6 15/2 Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy,,RM G 2 6 15 Complex Arithmetic Accuracy,Implementation Advice
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_advice rm-h-6-15-2-pragma-partition-elaboration-policy}@anchor{258}
@section RM H.6(15/2): Pragma Partition_Elaboration_Policy
@quotation
“If the partition elaboration policy is @code{Sequential} and the
Environment task becomes permanently blocked during elaboration then the
partition is deadlocked and it is recommended that the partition be
immediately terminated.”
@end quotation
Not followed.
@node Implementation Defined Characteristics,Intrinsic Subprograms,Implementation Advice,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_characteristics doc}@anchor{259}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_characteristics id1}@anchor{25a}@anchor{gnat_rm/implementation_defined_characteristics implementation-defined-characteristics}@anchor{b}
@chapter Implementation Defined Characteristics
In addition to the implementation dependent pragmas and attributes, and the
implementation advice, there are a number of other Ada features that are
potentially implementation dependent and are designated as
implementation-defined. These are mentioned throughout the Ada Reference
Manual, and are summarized in Annex M.
A requirement for conforming Ada compilers is that they provide
documentation describing how the implementation deals with each of these
issues. In this chapter you will find each point in Annex M listed,
followed by a description of how GNAT handles the implementation dependence.
You can use this chapter as a guide to minimizing implementation
dependent features in your programs if portability to other compilers
and other operating systems is an important consideration. The numbers
in each entry below correspond to the paragraph numbers in the Ada
Reference Manual.
@itemize *
@item
“Whether or not each recommendation given in Implementation
Advice is followed. See 1.1.2(37).”
@end itemize
See @ref{a,,Implementation Advice}.
@itemize *
@item
“Capacity limitations of the implementation. See 1.1.3(3).”
@end itemize
The complexity of programs that can be processed is limited only by the
total amount of available virtual memory, and disk space for the
generated object files.
@itemize *
@item
“Variations from the standard that are impractical to avoid
given the implementation’s execution environment. See 1.1.3(6).”
@end itemize
There are no variations from the standard.
@itemize *
@item
“Which code_statements cause external
interactions. See 1.1.3(10).”
@end itemize
Any @emph{code_statement} can potentially cause external interactions.
@itemize *
@item
“The coded representation for the text of an Ada
program. See 2.1(4).”
@end itemize
See separate section on source representation.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The semantics of an Ada program whose text is not in
Normalization Form C. See 2.1(4).”
@end table
@end itemize
See separate section on source representation.
@itemize *
@item
“The representation for an end of line. See 2.2(2).”
@end itemize
See separate section on source representation.
@itemize *
@item
“Maximum supported line length and lexical element
length. See 2.2(15).”
@end itemize
The maximum line length is 255 characters and the maximum length of
a lexical element is also 255 characters. This is the default setting
if not overridden by the use of compiler switch @emph{-gnaty} (which
sets the maximum to 79) or @emph{-gnatyMnn} which allows the maximum
line length to be specified to be any value up to 32767. The maximum
length of a lexical element is the same as the maximum line length.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation defined pragmas. See 2.8(14).”
@end itemize
See @ref{7,,Implementation Defined Pragmas}.
@itemize *
@item
“Effect of pragma @code{Optimize}. See 2.8(27).”
@end itemize
Pragma @code{Optimize}, if given with a @code{Time} or @code{Space}
parameter, checks that the optimization flag is set, and aborts if it is
not.
@itemize *
@item
“The message string associated with the Assertion_Error exception raised
by the failure of a predicate check if there is no applicable
Predicate_Failure aspect. See 3.2.4(31).”
@end itemize
In the case of a Dynamic_Predicate aspect, the string is
“Dynamic_Predicate failed at <source position>”, where
“<source position>” might be something like “foo.adb:123”.
The Static_Predicate case is handled analogously.
@itemize *
@item
“The predefined integer types declared in
@code{Standard}. See 3.5.4(25).”
@end itemize
@multitable {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx} {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx}
@headitem
Type
@tab
Representation
@item
@emph{Short_Short_Integer}
@tab
8-bit signed
@item
@emph{Short_Integer}
@tab
16-bit signed
@item
@emph{Integer}
@tab
32-bit signed
@item
@emph{Long_Integer}
@tab
64-bit signed (on most 64-bit targets,
depending on the C definition of long)
32-bit signed (on all other targets)
@item
@emph{Long_Long_Integer}
@tab
64-bit signed
@item
@emph{Long_Long_Long_Integer}
@tab
128-bit signed (on 64-bit targets)
64-bit signed (on 32-bit targets)
@end multitable
@itemize *
@item
“Any nonstandard integer types and the operators defined
for them. See 3.5.4(26).”
@end itemize
There are no nonstandard integer types.
@itemize *
@item
“Any nonstandard real types and the operators defined for
them. See 3.5.6(8).”
@end itemize
There are no nonstandard real types.
@itemize *
@item
“What combinations of requested decimal precision and range
are supported for floating point types. See 3.5.7(7).”
@end itemize
The precision and range are defined by the IEEE Standard for Floating-Point
Arithmetic (IEEE 754-2019).
@itemize *
@item
“The predefined floating point types declared in
@code{Standard}. See 3.5.7(16).”
@end itemize
@multitable {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx} {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx}
@headitem
Type
@tab
Representation
@item
@emph{Short_Float}
@tab
IEEE Binary32 (Single)
@item
@emph{Float}
@tab
IEEE Binary32 (Single)
@item
@emph{Long_Float}
@tab
IEEE Binary64 (Double)
@item
@emph{Long_Long_Float}
@tab
IEEE Binary64 (Double) on non-x86 architectures
IEEE 80-bit Extended on x86 architecture
@end multitable
The default rounding mode specified by the IEEE 754 Standard is assumed both
for static and dynamic computations (that is, round to nearest, ties to even).
The input routines yield correctly rounded values for Short_Float, Float, and
Long_Float at least. The output routines can compute up to twice as many exact
digits as the value of @code{T'Digits} for any type, for example 30 digits for
Long_Float; if more digits are requested, zeros are printed.
@itemize *
@item
“The small of an ordinary fixed point type. See 3.5.9(8).”
@end itemize
The small is the largest power of two that does not exceed the delta.
@itemize *
@item
“What combinations of small, range, and digits are
supported for fixed point types. See 3.5.9(10).”
@end itemize
For an ordinary fixed point type, on 32-bit platforms, the small must lie in
2.0**(-80) .. 2.0**80 and the range in -9.0E+36 .. 9.0E+36; any combination
is permitted that does not result in a mantissa larger than 63 bits.
On 64-bit platforms, the small must lie in 2.0**(-127) .. 2.0**127 and the
range in -1.0E+76 .. 1.0E+76; any combination is permitted that does not
result in a mantissa larger than 63 bits, and any combination is permitted
that results in a mantissa between 64 and 127 bits if the small is the
ratio of two integers that lie in 1 .. 2.0**127.
If the small is the ratio of two integers with 64-bit magnitude on 32-bit
platforms and 128-bit magnitude on 64-bit platforms, which is the case if
no @code{small} clause is provided, then the operations of the fixed point
type are entirely implemented by means of integer instructions. In the
other cases, some operations, in particular input and output, may be
implemented by means of floating-point instructions and may be affected
by accuracy issues on architectures other than x86.
For a decimal fixed point type, on 32-bit platforms, the small must lie in
1.0E-18 .. 1.0E+18 and the digits in 1 .. 18. On 64-bit platforms, the
small must lie in 1.0E-38 .. 1.0E+38 and the digits in 1 .. 38.
@itemize *
@item
“The result of @code{Tags.Expanded_Name} for types declared
within an unnamed @emph{block_statement}. See 3.9(10).”
@end itemize
Block numbers of the form @code{B@emph{nnn}}, where @emph{nnn} is a
decimal integer are allocated.
@itemize *
@item
“The sequence of characters of the value returned by Tags.Expanded_Name
(respectively, Tags.Wide_Expanded_Name) when some of the graphic
characters of Tags.Wide_Wide_Expanded_Name are not defined in Character
(respectively, Wide_Character). See 3.9(10.1).”
@end itemize
This is handled in the same way as the implementation-defined behavior
referenced in A.4.12(34).
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined attributes. See 4.1.4(12).”
@end itemize
See @ref{8,,Implementation Defined Attributes}.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of the parameter to Empty for some container aggregates.
See 4.3.5(40).”
@end itemize
As per the suggestion given in the Annotated Ada RM, the default value
of the formal parameter is used if one exists and zero is used otherwise.
@itemize *
@item
“The maximum number of chunks for a parallel reduction expression without
a chunk_specification. See 4.5.10(21).”
@end itemize
Feature unimplemented.
@itemize *
@item
“Rounding of real static expressions which are exactly half-way between
two machine numbers. See 4.9(38).”
@end itemize
Round to even is used in all such cases.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The maximum number of chunks for a parallel generalized iterator without
a chunk_specification. See 5.5.2(10).”
@end table
@end itemize
Feature unimplemented.
@itemize *
@item
“The number of chunks for an array component iterator. See 5.5.2(11).”
@end itemize
Feature unimplemented.
@itemize *
@item
“Any extensions of the Global aspect. See 6.1.2(43).”
@end itemize
Feature unimplemented.
@itemize *
@item
“The circumstances the implementation passes in the null value for a view
conversion of an access type used as an out parameter. See 6.4.1(19).”
@end itemize
Difficult to characterize.
@itemize *
@item
“Any extensions of the Default_Initial_Condition aspect. See 7.3.3(11).”
@end itemize
SPARK allows specifying @emph{null} as the Default_Initial_Condition
aspect of a type. See the SPARK reference manual for further details.
@itemize *
@item
“Any implementation-defined time types. See 9.6(6).”
@end itemize
There are no implementation-defined time types.
@itemize *
@item
“The time base associated with relative delays. See 9.6(20).”
@end itemize
See 9.6(20). The time base used is that provided by the C library
function @code{gettimeofday}.
@itemize *
@item
“The time base of the type @code{Calendar.Time}. See 9.6(23).”
@end itemize
The time base used is that provided by the C library function
@code{gettimeofday}.
@itemize *
@item
“The time zone used for package @code{Calendar}
operations. See 9.6(24).”
@end itemize
The time zone used by package @code{Calendar} is the current system time zone
setting for local time, as accessed by the C library function
@code{localtime}.
@itemize *
@item
“Any limit on @emph{delay_until_statements} of
@emph{select_statements}. See 9.6(29).”
@end itemize
There are no such limits.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The result of Calendar.Formatting.Image if its argument represents more
than 100 hours. See 9.6.1(86).”
@end table
@end itemize
Calendar.Time_Error is raised.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined conflict check policies. See 9.10.1(5).”
@end itemize
There are no implementation-defined conflict check policies.
@itemize *
@item
“The representation for a compilation. See 10.1(2).”
@end itemize
A compilation is represented by a sequence of files presented to the
compiler in a single invocation of the @emph{gcc} command.
@itemize *
@item
“Any restrictions on compilations that contain multiple
compilation_units. See 10.1(4).”
@end itemize
No single file can contain more than one compilation unit, but any
sequence of files can be presented to the compiler as a single
compilation.
@itemize *
@item
“The mechanisms for creating an environment and for adding
and replacing compilation units. See 10.1.4(3).”
@end itemize
See separate section on compilation model.
@itemize *
@item
“The manner of explicitly assigning library units to a
partition. See 10.2(2).”
@end itemize
If a unit contains an Ada main program, then the Ada units for the partition
are determined by recursive application of the rules in the Ada Reference
Manual section 10.2(2-6). In other words, the Ada units will be those that
are needed by the main program, and then this definition of need is applied
recursively to those units, and the partition contains the transitive
closure determined by this relationship. In short, all the necessary units
are included, with no need to explicitly specify the list. If additional
units are required, e.g., by foreign language units, then all units must be
mentioned in the context clause of one of the needed Ada units.
If the partition contains no main program, or if the main program is in
a language other than Ada, then GNAT
provides the binder options @emph{-z} and @emph{-n} respectively, and in
this case a list of units can be explicitly supplied to the binder for
inclusion in the partition (all units needed by these units will also
be included automatically). For full details on the use of these
options, refer to @emph{GNAT Make Program gnatmake} in the
@cite{GNAT User’s Guide}.
@itemize *
@item
“The implementation-defined means, if any, of specifying which compilation
units are needed by a given compilation unit. See 10.2(2).”
@end itemize
The units needed by a given compilation unit are as defined in
the Ada Reference Manual section 10.2(2-6). There are no
implementation-defined pragmas or other implementation-defined
means for specifying needed units.
@itemize *
@item
“The manner of designating the main subprogram of a
partition. See 10.2(7).”
@end itemize
The main program is designated by providing the name of the
corresponding @code{ALI} file as the input parameter to the binder.
@itemize *
@item
“The order of elaboration of @emph{library_items}. See 10.2(18).”
@end itemize
The first constraint on ordering is that it meets the requirements of
Chapter 10 of the Ada Reference Manual. This still leaves some
implementation-dependent choices, which are resolved by analyzing
the elaboration code of each unit and identifying implicit
elaboration-order dependencies.
@itemize *
@item
“Parameter passing and function return for the main
subprogram. See 10.2(21).”
@end itemize
The main program has no parameters. It may be a procedure, or a function
returning an integer type. In the latter case, the returned integer
value is the return code of the program (overriding any value that
may have been set by a call to @code{Ada.Command_Line.Set_Exit_Status}).
@itemize *
@item
“The mechanisms for building and running partitions. See 10.2(24).”
@end itemize
GNAT itself supports programs with only a single partition. The GNATDIST
tool provided with the GLADE package (which also includes an implementation
of the PCS) provides a completely flexible method for building and running
programs consisting of multiple partitions. See the separate GLADE manual
for details.
@itemize *
@item
“The details of program execution, including program
termination. See 10.2(25).”
@end itemize
See separate section on compilation model.
@itemize *
@item
“The semantics of any non-active partitions supported by the
implementation. See 10.2(28).”
@end itemize
Passive partitions are supported on targets where shared memory is
provided by the operating system. See the GLADE reference manual for
further details.
@itemize *
@item
“The information returned by @code{Exception_Message}. See 11.4.1(10).”
@end itemize
Exception message returns the null string unless a specific message has
been passed by the program.
@itemize *
@item
“The result of @code{Exceptions.Exception_Name} for types
declared within an unnamed @emph{block_statement}. See 11.4.1(12).”
@end itemize
Blocks have implementation defined names of the form @code{B@emph{nnn}}
where @emph{nnn} is an integer.
@itemize *
@item
“The information returned by
@code{Exception_Information}. See 11.4.1(13).”
@end itemize
@code{Exception_Information} returns a string in the following format:
@example
*Exception_Name:* nnnnn
*Message:* mmmmm
*PID:* ppp
*Load address:* 0xhhhh
*Call stack traceback locations:*
0xhhhh 0xhhhh 0xhhhh ... 0xhhh
@end example
where
@quotation
@itemize *
@item
@code{nnnn} is the fully qualified name of the exception in all upper
case letters. This line is always present.
@item
@code{mmmm} is the message (this line present only if message is non-null)
@item
@code{ppp} is the Process Id value as a decimal integer (this line is
present only if the Process Id is nonzero). Currently we are
not making use of this field.
@item
The Load address line, the Call stack traceback locations line and the
following values are present only if at least one traceback location was
recorded. The Load address indicates the address at which the main executable
was loaded; this line may not be present if operating system hasn’t relocated
the main executable. The values are given in C style format, with lower case
letters for a-f, and only as many digits present as are necessary.
The line terminator sequence at the end of each line, including
the last line is a single @code{LF} character (@code{16#0A#}).
@end itemize
@end quotation
@itemize *
@item
“The sequence of characters of the value returned by
Exceptions.Exception_Name (respectively, Exceptions.Wide_Exception_Name)
when some of the graphic characters of Exceptions.Wide_Wide_Exception_Name
are not defined in Character (respectively, Wide_Character).
See 11.4.1(12.1).”
@end itemize
This is handled in the same way as the implementation-defined behavior
referenced in A.4.12(34).
@itemize *
@item
“The information returned by Exception_Information. See 11.4.1(13).”
@end itemize
The exception name and the source location at which the exception was
raised are included.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined policy_identifiers and assertion_aspect_marks
allowed in a pragma Assertion_Policy. See 11.4.2(9).”
@end itemize
Implementation-defined assertion_aspect_marks include Assert_And_Cut,
Assume, Contract_Cases, Debug, Ghost, Initial_Condition, Loop_Invariant,
Loop_Variant, Postcondition, Precondition, Predicate, Refined_Post,
Statement_Assertions, and Subprogram_Variant. Implementation-defined
policy_identifiers include Ignore and Suppressible.
@itemize *
@item
“The default assertion policy. See 11.4.2(10).”
@end itemize
The default assertion policy is Ignore, although this can be overridden
via compiler switches such as “-gnata”.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined check names. See 11.5(27).”
@end itemize
The implementation defined check names include Alignment_Check,
Atomic_Synchronization, Duplicated_Tag_Check, Container_Checks,
Tampering_Check, Predicate_Check, and Validity_Check. In addition, a user
program can add implementation-defined check names by means of the pragma
Check_Name. See the description of pragma @code{Suppress} for full details.
@itemize *
@item
“Existence and meaning of second parameter of pragma Unsuppress.
See 11.5(27.1).”
@end itemize
The legality rules for and semantics of the second parameter of pragma
Unsuppress match those for the second argument of pragma Suppress.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The cases that cause conflicts between the representation of the
ancestors of a type_declaration. See 13.1(13.1).”
@end table
@end itemize
No such cases exist.
@itemize *
@item
“The interpretation of each representation aspect. See 13.1(20).”
@end itemize
See separate section on data representations.
@itemize *
@item
“Any restrictions placed upon the specification of representation aspects.
See 13.1(20).”
@end itemize
See separate section on data representations.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined aspects, including the syntax for specifying
such aspects and the legality rules for such aspects. See 13.1.1(38).”
@end itemize
See @ref{11f,,Implementation Defined Aspects}.
@itemize *
@item
“The set of machine scalars. See 13.3(8.1).”
@end itemize
See separate section on data representations.
@itemize *
@item
“The meaning of @code{Size} for indefinite subtypes. See 13.3(48).”
@end itemize
The Size attribute of an indefinite subtype is not less than the Size
attribute of any object of that type.
@itemize *
@item
“The meaning of Object_Size for indefinite subtypes. See 13.3(58).”
@end itemize
The Object_Size attribute of an indefinite subtype is not less than the
Object_Size attribute of any object of that type.
@itemize *
@item
“The default external representation for a type tag. See 13.3(75).”
@end itemize
The default external representation for a type tag is the fully expanded
name of the type in upper case letters.
@itemize *
@item
“What determines whether a compilation unit is the same in
two different partitions. See 13.3(76).”
@end itemize
A compilation unit is the same in two different partitions if and only
if it derives from the same source file.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined components. See 13.5.1(15).”
@end itemize
The only implementation defined component is the tag for a tagged type,
which contains a pointer to the dispatching table.
@itemize *
@item
“If @code{Word_Size} = @code{Storage_Unit}, the default bit
ordering. See 13.5.3(5).”
@end itemize
@code{Word_Size} (32) is not the same as @code{Storage_Unit} (8) for this
implementation, so no non-default bit ordering is supported. The default
bit ordering corresponds to the natural endianness of the target architecture.
@itemize *
@item
“The contents of the visible part of package @code{System}. See 13.7(2).”
@end itemize
See the definition of package System in @code{system.ads}.
Note that two declarations are added to package System.
@example
Max_Priority : constant Positive := Priority'Last;
Max_Interrupt_Priority : constant Positive := Interrupt_Priority'Last;
@end example
@itemize *
@item
“The range of Storage_Elements.Storage_Offset, the modulus of
Storage_Elements.Storage_Element, and the declaration of
Storage_Elements.Integer_Address. See 13.7.1(11).”
@end itemize
See the definition of package System.Storage_Elements in @code{s-stoele.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“The contents of the visible part of package @code{System.Machine_Code},
and the meaning of @emph{code_statements}. See 13.8(7).”
@end itemize
See the definition and documentation in file @code{s-maccod.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“The result of unchecked conversion for instances with scalar result
types whose result is not defined by the language. See 13.9(11).”
@end itemize
Unchecked conversion between types of the same size
results in an uninterpreted transmission of the bits from one type
to the other. If the types are of unequal sizes, then in the case of
discrete types, a shorter source is first zero or sign extended as
necessary, and a shorter target is simply truncated on the left.
For all non-discrete types, the source is first copied if necessary
to ensure that the alignment requirements of the target are met, then
a pointer is constructed to the source value, and the result is obtained
by dereferencing this pointer after converting it to be a pointer to the
target type. Unchecked conversions where the target subtype is an
unconstrained array are not permitted. If the target alignment is
greater than the source alignment, then a copy of the result is
made with appropriate alignment
@itemize *
@item
“The result of unchecked conversion for instances with nonscalar result
types whose result is not defined by the language. See 13.9(11).”
@end itemize
See preceding definition for the scalar result case.
@itemize *
@item
“Whether or not the implementation provides user-accessible
names for the standard pool type(s). See 13.11(17).”
@end itemize
There are 3 different standard pools used by the compiler when
@code{Storage_Pool} is not specified depending whether the type is local
to a subprogram or defined at the library level and whether
@code{Storage_Size`@w{`}is specified or not. See documentation in the runtime
library units `@w{`}System.Pool_Global}, @code{System.Pool_Size} and
@code{System.Pool_Local} in files @code{s-poosiz.ads},
@code{s-pooglo.ads} and @code{s-pooloc.ads} for full details on the
default pools used. All these pools are accessible by means of @cite{with}ing
these units.
@itemize *
@item
“The meaning of @code{Storage_Size} when neither the Storage_Size nor the
Storage_Pool is specified for an access type. See 13.11(18).”
@end itemize
@code{Storage_Size} is measured in storage units, and refers to the
total space available for an access type collection, or to the primary
stack space for a task.
@itemize *
@item
“The effect of specifying aspect Default_Storage_Pool on an instance
of a language-defined generic unit. See 13.11.3(5).”
@end itemize
Instances of language-defined generic units are treated the same as other
instances with respect to the Default_Storage_Pool aspect.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined restrictions allowed in a pragma
@code{Restrictions}. See 13.12(8.7).”
@end itemize
See @ref{9,,Standard and Implementation Defined Restrictions}.
@itemize *
@item
“The consequences of violating limitations on
@code{Restrictions} pragmas. See 13.12(9).”
@end itemize
Restrictions that can be checked at compile time are enforced at
compile time; violations are illegal. For other restrictions, any
violation during program execution results in erroneous execution.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined usage profiles allowed in a pragma Profile.
See 13.12(15).”
@end itemize
See @ref{7,,Implementation Defined Pragmas}.
@itemize *
@item
“The contents of the stream elements read and written by the Read and
Write attributes of elementary types. See 13.13.2(9).”
@end itemize
The representation is the in-memory representation of the base type of
the type, using the number of bits corresponding to the
@code{type'Size} value, and the natural ordering of the machine.
@itemize *
@item
“The names and characteristics of the numeric subtypes
declared in the visible part of package @code{Standard}. See A.1(3).”
@end itemize
See items describing the integer and floating-point types supported.
@itemize *
@item
“The values returned by Strings.Hash. See A.4.9(3).”
@end itemize
This hash function has predictable collisions and is subject to
equivalent substring attacks. It is not suitable for construction of a
hash table keyed on possibly malicious user input.
@itemize *
@item
“The value returned by a call to a Text_Buffer Get procedure if any
character in the returned sequence is not defined in Character.
See A.4.12(34).”
@end itemize
The contents of a buffer is represented internally as a UTF_8 string.
The value return by Text_Buffer.Get is the result of passing that
UTF_8 string to UTF_Encoding.Strings.Decode.
@itemize *
@item
“The value returned by a call to a Text_Buffer Wide_Get procedure if
any character in the returned sequence is not defined in Wide_Character.
See A.4.12(34).”
@end itemize
The contents of a buffer is represented internally as a UTF_8 string.
The value return by Text_Buffer.Wide_Get is the result of passing that
UTF_8 string to UTF_Encoding.Wide_Strings.Decode.
@itemize *
@item
“The accuracy actually achieved by the elementary
functions. See A.5.1(1).”
@end itemize
The elementary functions correspond to the functions available in the C
library. Only fast math mode is implemented.
@itemize *
@item
“The sign of a zero result from some of the operators or
functions in @code{Numerics.Generic_Elementary_Functions}, when
@code{Float_Type'Signed_Zeros} is @code{True}. See A.5.1(46).”
@end itemize
The sign of zeroes follows the requirements of the IEEE 754 standard on
floating-point.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of
@code{Numerics.Float_Random.Max_Image_Width}. See A.5.2(27).”
@end itemize
Maximum image width is 6864, see library file @code{s-rannum.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of
@code{Numerics.Discrete_Random.Max_Image_Width}. See A.5.2(27).”
@end itemize
Maximum image width is 6864, see library file @code{s-rannum.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“The string representation of a random number generator’s
state. See A.5.2(38).”
@end itemize
The value returned by the Image function is the concatenation of
the fixed-width decimal representations of the 624 32-bit integers
of the state vector.
@itemize *
@item
“The values of the @code{Model_Mantissa},
@code{Model_Emin}, @code{Model_Epsilon}, @code{Model},
@code{Safe_First}, and @code{Safe_Last} attributes, if the Numerics
Annex is not supported. See A.5.3(72).”
@end itemize
Running the compiler with @emph{-gnatS} to produce a listing of package
@code{Standard} displays the values of these attributes.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of @code{Buffer_Size} in @code{Storage_IO}. See A.9(10).”
@end itemize
All type representations are contiguous, and the @code{Buffer_Size} is
the value of @code{type'Size} rounded up to the next storage unit
boundary.
@itemize *
@item
“External files for standard input, standard output, and
standard error See A.10(5).”
@end itemize
These files are mapped onto the files provided by the C streams
libraries. See source file @code{i-cstrea.ads} for further details.
@itemize *
@item
“The accuracy of the value produced by @code{Put}. See A.10.9(36).”
@end itemize
If more digits are requested in the output than are represented by the
precision of the value, zeroes are output in the corresponding least
significant digit positions.
@itemize *
@item
“Current size for a stream file for which positioning is not supported.
See A.12.1(1.1).”
@end itemize
Positioning is supported.
@itemize *
@item
“The meaning of @code{Argument_Count}, @code{Argument}, and
@code{Command_Name}. See A.15(1).”
@end itemize
These are mapped onto the @code{argv} and @code{argc} parameters of the
main program in the natural manner.
@itemize *
@item
“The interpretation of file names and directory names. See A.16(46).”
@end itemize
These names are interpreted consistently with the underlying file system.
@itemize *
@item
“The maxium value for a file size in Directories. See A.16(87).”
@end itemize
Directories.File_Size’Last is equal to Long_Long_Integer’Last .
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The result for Directories.Size for a directory or special file.
See A.16(93).”
@end table
@end itemize
Name_Error is raised.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The result for Directories.Modification_Time for a directory or special file.
See A.16(93).”
@end table
@end itemize
Name_Error is raised.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The interpretation of a nonnull search pattern in Directories.
See A.16(104).”
@end table
@end itemize
When the @code{Pattern} parameter is not the null string, it is interpreted
according to the syntax of regular expressions as defined in the
@code{GNAT.Regexp} package.
See @ref{25b,,GNAT.Regexp (g-regexp.ads)}.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The results of a Directories search if the contents of the directory are
altered while a search is in progress. See A.16(110).”
@end table
@end itemize
The effect of a call to Get_Next_Entry is determined by the current
state of the directory.
@itemize *
@item
“The definition and meaning of an environment variable. See A.17(1).”
@end itemize
This definition is determined by the underlying operating system.
@itemize *
@item
“The circumstances where an environment variable cannot be defined.
See A.17(16).”
There are no such implementation-defined circumstances.
@item
“Environment names for which Set has the effect of Clear. See A.17(17).”
@end itemize
There are no such names.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of Containers.Hash_Type’Modulus. The value of
Containers.Count_Type’Last. See A.18.1(7).”
@end itemize
Containers.Hash_Type’Modulus is 2**32.
Containers.Count_Type’Last is 2**31 - 1.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined convention names. See B.1(11).”
@end itemize
The following convention names are supported
@multitable {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx} {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx}
@headitem
Convention Name
@tab
Interpretation
@item
@emph{Ada}
@tab
Ada
@item
@emph{Ada_Pass_By_Copy}
@tab
Allowed for any types except by-reference types such as limited
records. Compatible with convention Ada, but causes any parameters
with this convention to be passed by copy.
@item
@emph{Ada_Pass_By_Reference}
@tab
Allowed for any types except by-copy types such as scalars.
Compatible with convention Ada, but causes any parameters
with this convention to be passed by reference.
@item
@emph{Assembler}
@tab
Assembly language
@item
@emph{Asm}
@tab
Synonym for Assembler
@item
@emph{Assembly}
@tab
Synonym for Assembler
@item
@emph{C}
@tab
C
@item
@emph{C_Pass_By_Copy}
@tab
Allowed only for record types, like C, but also notes that record
is to be passed by copy rather than reference.
@item
@emph{COBOL}
@tab
COBOL
@item
@emph{C_Plus_Plus (or CPP)}
@tab
C++
@item
@emph{Default}
@tab
Treated the same as C
@item
@emph{External}
@tab
Treated the same as C
@item
@emph{Fortran}
@tab
Fortran
@item
@emph{Intrinsic}
@tab
For support of pragma @code{Import} with convention Intrinsic, see
separate section on Intrinsic Subprograms.
@item
@emph{Stdcall}
@tab
Stdcall (used for Windows implementations only). This convention correspond
to the WINAPI (previously called Pascal convention) C/C++ convention under
Windows. A routine with this convention cleans the stack before
exit. This pragma cannot be applied to a dispatching call.
@item
@emph{DLL}
@tab
Synonym for Stdcall
@item
@emph{Win32}
@tab
Synonym for Stdcall
@item
@emph{Stubbed}
@tab
Stubbed is a special convention used to indicate that the body of the
subprogram will be entirely ignored. Any call to the subprogram
is converted into a raise of the @code{Program_Error} exception. If a
pragma @code{Import} specifies convention @code{stubbed} then no body need
be present at all. This convention is useful during development for the
inclusion of subprograms whose body has not yet been written.
In addition, all otherwise unrecognized convention names are also
treated as being synonymous with convention C. In all implementations,
use of such other names results in a warning.
@end multitable
@itemize *
@item
“The meaning of link names. See B.1(36).”
@end itemize
Link names are the actual names used by the linker.
@itemize *
@item
“The manner of choosing link names when neither the link name nor the
address of an imported or exported entity is specified. See B.1(36).”
@end itemize
The default linker name is that which would be assigned by the relevant
external language, interpreting the Ada name as being in all lower case
letters.
@itemize *
@item
“The effect of pragma @code{Linker_Options}. See B.1(37).”
@end itemize
The string passed to @code{Linker_Options} is presented uninterpreted as
an argument to the link command, unless it contains ASCII.NUL characters.
NUL characters if they appear act as argument separators, so for example
@example
pragma Linker_Options ("-labc" & ASCII.NUL & "-ldef");
@end example
causes two separate arguments @code{-labc} and @code{-ldef} to be passed to the
linker. The order of linker options is preserved for a given unit. The final
list of options passed to the linker is in reverse order of the elaboration
order. For example, linker options for a body always appear before the options
from the corresponding package spec.
@itemize *
@item
“The contents of the visible part of package
@code{Interfaces} and its language-defined descendants. See B.2(1).”
@end itemize
See files with prefix @code{i-} in the distributed library.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined children of package
@code{Interfaces}. The contents of the visible part of package
@code{Interfaces}. See B.2(11).”
@end itemize
See files with prefix @code{i-} in the distributed library.
@itemize *
@item
“The definitions of certain types and constants in Interfaces.C.
See B.3(41).”
@end itemize
See source file @code{i-c.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“The types @code{Floating}, @code{Long_Floating},
@code{Binary}, @code{Long_Binary}, @code{Decimal_ Element}, and
@code{COBOL_Character}; and the initialization of the variables
@code{Ada_To_COBOL} and @code{COBOL_To_Ada}, in
@code{Interfaces.COBOL}. See B.4(50).”
@end itemize
@multitable {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx} {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx}
@headitem
COBOL
@tab
Ada
@item
@emph{Floating}
@tab
Float
@item
@emph{Long_Floating}
@tab
(Floating) Long_Float
@item
@emph{Binary}
@tab
Integer
@item
@emph{Long_Binary}
@tab
Long_Long_Integer
@item
@emph{Decimal_Element}
@tab
Character
@item
@emph{COBOL_Character}
@tab
Character
@end multitable
For initialization, see the file @code{i-cobol.ads} in the distributed library.
@itemize *
@item
“The types Fortran_Integer, Real, Double_Precision, and Character_Set
in Interfaces.Fortran. See B.5(17).”
@end itemize
See source file @code{i-fortra.ads}. These types are derived, respectively,
from Integer, Float, Long_Float, and Character.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined intrinsic subprograms. See C.1(1).”
@end itemize
See separate section on Intrinsic Subprograms.
@itemize *
@item
“Any restrictions on a protected procedure or its containing type when an
aspect Attach_handler or Interrupt_Handler is specified. See C.3.1(17).”
@end itemize
There are no such restrictions.
@itemize *
@item
“Any other forms of interrupt handler supported by the Attach_Handler and
Interrupt_Handler aspects. See C.3.1(19).”
@end itemize
There are no such forms.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The semantics of some attributes and functions of an entity for which
aspect Discard_Names is True. See C.5(7).”
@end table
@end itemize
If Discard_Names is True for an enumeration type, the Image attribute
provides the image of the Pos of the literal, and Value accepts
Pos values.
If both of the aspects`@w{`}Discard_Names`@w{`} and @code{No_Tagged_Streams} are true
for a tagged type, its Expanded_Name and External_Tag values are
empty strings. This is useful to avoid exposing entity names at binary
level.
@itemize *
@item
“The modulus and size of Test_and_Set_Flag. See C.6.3(8).”
@end itemize
The modulus is 2**8. The size is 8.
@itemize *
@item
“The value used to represent the set value for Atomic_Test_and_Set.
See C.6.3(10).”
@end itemize
The value is 1.
@itemize *
@item
“The result of the @code{Task_Identification.Image}
attribute. See C.7.1(7).”
@end itemize
The result of this attribute is a string that identifies
the object or component that denotes a given task. If a variable @code{Var}
has a task type, the image for this task will have the form @code{Var_@emph{XXXXXXXX}},
where the suffix @emph{XXXXXXXX}
is the hexadecimal representation of the virtual address of the corresponding
task control block. If the variable is an array of tasks, the image of each
task will have the form of an indexed component indicating the position of a
given task in the array, e.g., @code{Group(5)_@emph{XXXXXXX}}. If the task is a
component of a record, the image of the task will have the form of a selected
component. These rules are fully recursive, so that the image of a task that
is a subcomponent of a composite object corresponds to the expression that
designates this task.
If a task is created by an allocator, its image depends on the context. If the
allocator is part of an object declaration, the rules described above are used
to construct its image, and this image is not affected by subsequent
assignments. If the allocator appears within an expression, the image
includes only the name of the task type.
If the configuration pragma Discard_Names is present, or if the restriction
No_Implicit_Heap_Allocation is in effect, the image reduces to
the numeric suffix, that is to say the hexadecimal representation of the
virtual address of the control block of the task.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of @code{Current_Task} when in a protected entry
or interrupt handler. See C.7.1(17).”
@end itemize
Protected entries or interrupt handlers can be executed by any
convenient thread, so the value of @code{Current_Task} is undefined.
@itemize *
@item
“Granularity of locking for Task_Attributes. See C.7.2(16).”
@end itemize
No locking is needed if the formal type Attribute has the size and
alignment of either Integer or System.Address and the bit representation
of Initial_Value is all zeroes. Otherwise, locking is performed.
@itemize *
@item
“The declarations of @code{Any_Priority} and
@code{Priority}. See D.1(11).”
@end itemize
See declarations in file @code{system.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined execution resources. See D.1(15).”
@end itemize
There are no implementation-defined execution resources.
@itemize *
@item
“Whether, on a multiprocessor, a task that is waiting for
access to a protected object keeps its processor busy. See D.2.1(3).”
@end itemize
On a multi-processor, a task that is waiting for access to a protected
object does not keep its processor busy.
@itemize *
@item
“The affect of implementation defined execution resources
on task dispatching. See D.2.1(9).”
@end itemize
Tasks map to threads in the threads package used by GNAT. Where possible
and appropriate, these threads correspond to native threads of the
underlying operating system.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined task dispatching policies. See D.2.2(3).”
@end itemize
There are no implementation-defined task dispatching policies.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of Default_Quantum in Dispatching.Round_Robin. See D.2.5(4).”
@end itemize
The value is 10 milliseconds.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined @emph{policy_identifiers} allowed
in a pragma @code{Locking_Policy}. See D.3(4).”
@end itemize
The two implementation defined policies permitted in GNAT are
@code{Inheritance_Locking} and @code{Concurrent_Readers_Locking}. On
targets that support the @code{Inheritance_Locking} policy, locking is
implemented by inheritance, i.e., the task owning the lock operates
at a priority equal to the highest priority of any task currently
requesting the lock. On targets that support the
@code{Concurrent_Readers_Locking} policy, locking is implemented with a
read/write lock allowing multiple protected object functions to enter
concurrently.
@itemize *
@item
“Default ceiling priorities. See D.3(10).”
@end itemize
The ceiling priority of protected objects of the type
@code{System.Interrupt_Priority'Last} as described in the Ada
Reference Manual D.3(10),
@itemize *
@item
“The ceiling of any protected object used internally by
the implementation. See D.3(16).”
@end itemize
The ceiling priority of internal protected objects is
@code{System.Priority'Last}.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined queuing policies. See D.4(1).”
@end itemize
There are no implementation-defined queuing policies.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined admission policies. See D.4.1(1).”
@end itemize
There are no implementation-defined admission policies.
@itemize *
@item
“Any operations that implicitly require heap storage
allocation. See D.7(8).”
@end itemize
The only operation that implicitly requires heap storage allocation is
task creation.
@itemize *
@item
“When restriction No_Dynamic_CPU_Assignment applies to a partition, the
processor on which a task with a CPU value of a Not_A_Specific_CPU will
execute. See D.7(10).”
@end itemize
Unknown.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “When restriction No_Task_Termination applies to a partition, what happens
when a task terminates. See D.7(15.1).”
@end table
@end itemize
Execution is erroneous in that case.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The behavior when restriction Max_Storage_At_Blocking is violated.
See D.7(17).”
@end table
@end itemize
Execution is erroneous in that case.
@itemize *
@item
“The behavior when restriction Max_Asynchronous_Select_Nesting is violated.
See D.7(18).”
@end itemize
Execution is erroneous in that case.
@itemize *
@item
“The behavior when restriction Max_Tasks is violated. See D.7(19).”
@end itemize
Execution is erroneous in that case.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “Whether the use of pragma Restrictions results in a reduction in program
code or data size or execution time. See D.7(20).”
Yes it can, but the precise circumstances and properties of such reductions
are difficult to characterize.
@end table
@item
“The value of Barrier_Limit’Last in Synchronous_Barriers. See D.10.1(4).”
@end itemize
Synchronous_Barriers.Barrier_Limit’Last is Integer’Last .
@itemize *
@item
“When an aborted task that is waiting on a Synchronous_Barrier is aborted.
See D.10.1(13).”
@end itemize
Difficult to characterize.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The value of Min_Handler_Ceiling in Execution_Time.Group_Budgets.
See D.14.2(7).”
@end table
@end itemize
See source file @code{a-etgrbu.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of CPU_Range’Last in System.Multiprocessors. See D.16(4).”
@end itemize
See source file @code{s-multip.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“The processor on which the environment task executes in the absence
of a value for the aspect CPU. See D.16(13).”
@end itemize
Unknown.
@itemize *
@item
“The means for creating and executing distributed
programs. See E(5).”
@end itemize
The GLADE package provides a utility GNATDIST for creating and executing
distributed programs. See the GLADE reference manual for further details.
@itemize *
@item
“Any events that can result in a partition becoming
inaccessible. See E.1(7).”
@end itemize
See the GLADE reference manual for full details on such events.
@itemize *
@item
“The scheduling policies, treatment of priorities, and management of
shared resources between partitions in certain cases. See E.1(11).”
@end itemize
See the GLADE reference manual for full details on these aspects of
multi-partition execution.
@itemize *
@item
“Whether the execution of the remote subprogram is
immediately aborted as a result of cancellation. See E.4(13).”
@end itemize
See the GLADE reference manual for details on the effect of abort in
a distributed application.
@itemize *
@item
“The range of type System.RPC.Partition_Id. See E.5(14).”
@end itemize
System.RPC.Partion_ID’Last is Integer’Last. See source file @code{s-rpc.ads}.
@itemize *
@item
“Implementation-defined interfaces in the PCS. See E.5(26).”
@end itemize
See the GLADE reference manual for a full description of all
implementation defined interfaces.
@itemize *
@item
“The values of named numbers in the package
@code{Decimal}. See F.2(7).”
@end itemize
@multitable {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx} {xxxxxxxxxxxx}
@headitem
Named Number
@tab
Value
@item
@emph{Max_Scale}
@tab
+18
@item
@emph{Min_Scale}
@tab
-18
@item
@emph{Min_Delta}
@tab
1.0E-18
@item
@emph{Max_Delta}
@tab
1.0E+18
@item
@emph{Max_Decimal_Digits}
@tab
18
@end multitable
@itemize *
@item
“The value of @code{Max_Picture_Length} in the package
@code{Text_IO.Editing}. See F.3.3(16).”
@end itemize
64
@itemize *
@item
“The value of @code{Max_Picture_Length} in the package
@code{Wide_Text_IO.Editing}. See F.3.4(5).”
@end itemize
64
@itemize *
@item
“The accuracy actually achieved by the complex elementary
functions and by other complex arithmetic operations. See G.1(1).”
@end itemize
Standard library functions are used for the complex arithmetic
operations. Only fast math mode is currently supported.
@itemize *
@item
“The sign of a zero result (or a component thereof) from
any operator or function in @code{Numerics.Generic_Complex_Types}, when
@code{Real'Signed_Zeros} is True. See G.1.1(53).”
@end itemize
The signs of zero values are as recommended by the relevant
implementation advice.
@itemize *
@item
“The sign of a zero result (or a component thereof) from
any operator or function in
@code{Numerics.Generic_Complex_Elementary_Functions}, when
@code{Real'Signed_Zeros} is @code{True}. See G.1.2(45).”
@end itemize
The signs of zero values are as recommended by the relevant
implementation advice.
@itemize *
@item
“Whether the strict mode or the relaxed mode is the
default. See G.2(2).”
@end itemize
The strict mode is the default. There is no separate relaxed mode. GNAT
provides a highly efficient implementation of strict mode.
@itemize *
@item
“The result interval in certain cases of fixed-to-float
conversion. See G.2.1(10).”
@end itemize
For cases where the result interval is implementation dependent, the
accuracy is that provided by performing all operations in 64-bit IEEE
floating-point format.
@itemize *
@item
“The result of a floating point arithmetic operation in
overflow situations, when the @code{Machine_Overflows} attribute of the
result type is @code{False}. See G.2.1(13).”
@end itemize
Infinite and NaN values are produced as dictated by the IEEE
floating-point standard.
Note that on machines that are not fully compliant with the IEEE
floating-point standard, such as Alpha, the @emph{-mieee} compiler flag
must be used for achieving IEEE conforming behavior (although at the cost
of a significant performance penalty), so infinite and NaN values are
properly generated.
@itemize *
@item
“The result interval for division (or exponentiation by a
negative exponent), when the floating point hardware implements division
as multiplication by a reciprocal. See G.2.1(16).”
@end itemize
Not relevant, division is IEEE exact.
@itemize *
@item
“The definition of close result set, which determines the accuracy of
certain fixed point multiplications and divisions. See G.2.3(5).”
@end itemize
Operations in the close result set are performed using IEEE long format
floating-point arithmetic. The input operands are converted to
floating-point, the operation is done in floating-point, and the result
is converted to the target type.
@itemize *
@item
“Conditions on a @emph{universal_real} operand of a fixed
point multiplication or division for which the result shall be in the
perfect result set. See G.2.3(22).”
@end itemize
The result is only defined to be in the perfect result set if the result
can be computed by a single scaling operation involving a scale factor
representable in 64 bits.
@itemize *
@item
“The result of a fixed point arithmetic operation in
overflow situations, when the @code{Machine_Overflows} attribute of the
result type is @code{False}. See G.2.3(27).”
@end itemize
Not relevant, @code{Machine_Overflows} is @code{True} for fixed-point
types.
@itemize *
@item
“The result of an elementary function reference in
overflow situations, when the @code{Machine_Overflows} attribute of the
result type is @code{False}. See G.2.4(4).”
@end itemize
IEEE infinite and Nan values are produced as appropriate.
@itemize *
@item
“The value of the angle threshold, within which certain
elementary functions, complex arithmetic operations, and complex
elementary functions yield results conforming to a maximum relative
error bound. See G.2.4(10).”
@end itemize
Information on this subject is not yet available.
@itemize *
@item
“The accuracy of certain elementary functions for
parameters beyond the angle threshold. See G.2.4(10).”
@end itemize
Information on this subject is not yet available.
@itemize *
@item
“The result of a complex arithmetic operation or complex
elementary function reference in overflow situations, when the
@code{Machine_Overflows} attribute of the corresponding real type is
@code{False}. See G.2.6(5).”
@end itemize
IEEE infinite and Nan values are produced as appropriate.
@itemize *
@item
“The accuracy of certain complex arithmetic operations and
certain complex elementary functions for parameters (or components
thereof) beyond the angle threshold. See G.2.6(8).”
@end itemize
Information on those subjects is not yet available.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The accuracy requirements for the subprograms Solve, Inverse,
Determinant, Eigenvalues and Eigensystem for type Real_Matrix.
See G.3.1(81).”
@end table
@end itemize
Information on those subjects is not yet available.
@itemize *
@item
@table @asis
@item “The accuracy requirements for the subprograms Solve, Inverse,
Determinant, Eigenvalues and Eigensystem for type Complex_Matrix.
See G.3.2(149).”
@end table
@end itemize
Information on those subjects is not yet available.
@itemize *
@item
“The consequences of violating No_Hidden_Indirect_Globals. See H.4(23.9).”
@end itemize
Execution is erroneous in that case.
@node Intrinsic Subprograms,Representation Clauses and Pragmas,Implementation Defined Characteristics,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms doc}@anchor{25c}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id1}@anchor{25d}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms intrinsic-subprograms}@anchor{c}
@chapter Intrinsic Subprograms
@geindex Intrinsic Subprograms
GNAT allows a user application program to write the declaration:
@example
pragma Import (Intrinsic, name);
@end example
providing that the name corresponds to one of the implemented intrinsic
subprograms in GNAT, and that the parameter profile of the referenced
subprogram meets the requirements. This chapter describes the set of
implemented intrinsic subprograms, and the requirements on parameter profiles.
Note that no body is supplied; as with other uses of pragma Import, the
body is supplied elsewhere (in this case by the compiler itself). Note
that any use of this feature is potentially non-portable, since the
Ada standard does not require Ada compilers to implement this feature.
@menu
* Intrinsic Operators::
* Compilation_ISO_Date::
* Compilation_Date::
* Compilation_Time::
* Enclosing_Entity::
* Exception_Information::
* Exception_Message::
* Exception_Name::
* File::
* Line::
* Shifts and Rotates::
* Source_Location::
@end menu
@node Intrinsic Operators,Compilation_ISO_Date,,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id2}@anchor{25e}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms intrinsic-operators}@anchor{25f}
@section Intrinsic Operators
@geindex Intrinsic operator
All the predefined numeric operators in package Standard
in @code{pragma Import (Intrinsic,..)}
declarations. In the binary operator case, the operands must have the same
size. The operand or operands must also be appropriate for
the operator. For example, for addition, the operands must
both be floating-point or both be fixed-point, and the
right operand for @code{"**"} must have a root type of
@code{Standard.Integer'Base}.
You can use an intrinsic operator declaration as in the following example:
@example
type Int1 is new Integer;
type Int2 is new Integer;
function "+" (X1 : Int1; X2 : Int2) return Int1;
function "+" (X1 : Int1; X2 : Int2) return Int2;
pragma Import (Intrinsic, "+");
@end example
This declaration would permit ‘mixed mode’ arithmetic on items
of the differing types @code{Int1} and @code{Int2}.
It is also possible to specify such operators for private types, if the
full views are appropriate arithmetic types.
@node Compilation_ISO_Date,Compilation_Date,Intrinsic Operators,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms compilation-iso-date}@anchor{260}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id3}@anchor{261}
@section Compilation_ISO_Date
@geindex Compilation_ISO_Date
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library package @code{GNAT.Source_Info}. The only useful use of the
intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit, so an
application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Source_Info.Compilation_ISO_Date} to obtain the date of
the current compilation (in local time format YYYY-MM-DD).
@node Compilation_Date,Compilation_Time,Compilation_ISO_Date,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms compilation-date}@anchor{262}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id4}@anchor{263}
@section Compilation_Date
@geindex Compilation_Date
Same as Compilation_ISO_Date, except the string is in the form
MMM DD YYYY.
@node Compilation_Time,Enclosing_Entity,Compilation_Date,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms compilation-time}@anchor{264}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id5}@anchor{265}
@section Compilation_Time
@geindex Compilation_Time
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library package @code{GNAT.Source_Info}. The only useful use of the
intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit, so an
application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Source_Info.Compilation_Time} to obtain the time of
the current compilation (in local time format HH:MM:SS).
@node Enclosing_Entity,Exception_Information,Compilation_Time,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms enclosing-entity}@anchor{266}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id6}@anchor{267}
@section Enclosing_Entity
@geindex Enclosing_Entity
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library package @code{GNAT.Source_Info}. The only useful use of the
intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit, so an
application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Source_Info.Enclosing_Entity} to obtain the name of
the current subprogram, package, task, entry, or protected subprogram.
@node Exception_Information,Exception_Message,Enclosing_Entity,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms exception-information}@anchor{268}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id7}@anchor{269}
@section Exception_Information
@geindex Exception_Information'
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library package @code{GNAT.Current_Exception}. The only useful
use of the intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit,
so an application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Current_Exception.Exception_Information} to obtain
the exception information associated with the current exception.
@node Exception_Message,Exception_Name,Exception_Information,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms exception-message}@anchor{26a}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id8}@anchor{26b}
@section Exception_Message
@geindex Exception_Message
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library package @code{GNAT.Current_Exception}. The only useful
use of the intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit,
so an application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Current_Exception.Exception_Message} to obtain
the message associated with the current exception.
@node Exception_Name,File,Exception_Message,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms exception-name}@anchor{26c}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id9}@anchor{26d}
@section Exception_Name
@geindex Exception_Name
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library package @code{GNAT.Current_Exception}. The only useful
use of the intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit,
so an application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Current_Exception.Exception_Name} to obtain
the name of the current exception.
@node File,Line,Exception_Name,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms file}@anchor{26e}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id10}@anchor{26f}
@section File
@geindex File
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library package @code{GNAT.Source_Info}. The only useful use of the
intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit, so an
application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Source_Info.File} to obtain the name of the current
file.
@node Line,Shifts and Rotates,File,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id11}@anchor{270}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms line}@anchor{271}
@section Line
@geindex Line
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library package @code{GNAT.Source_Info}. The only useful use of the
intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit, so an
application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Source_Info.Line} to obtain the number of the current
source line.
@node Shifts and Rotates,Source_Location,Line,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id12}@anchor{272}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms shifts-and-rotates}@anchor{273}
@section Shifts and Rotates
@geindex Shift_Left
@geindex Shift_Right
@geindex Shift_Right_Arithmetic
@geindex Rotate_Left
@geindex Rotate_Right
In standard Ada, the shift and rotate functions are available only
for the predefined modular types in package @code{Interfaces}. However, in
GNAT it is possible to define these functions for any integer
type (signed or modular), as in this example:
@example
function Shift_Left
(Value : T;
Amount : Natural) return T
with Import, Convention => Intrinsic;
@end example
The function name must be one of
Shift_Left, Shift_Right, Shift_Right_Arithmetic, Rotate_Left, or
Rotate_Right. T must be an integer type. T’Size must be
8, 16, 32 or 64 bits; if T is modular, the modulus
must be 2**8, 2**16, 2**32 or 2**64.
The result type must be the same as the type of @code{Value}.
The shift amount must be Natural.
The formal parameter names can be anything.
A more convenient way of providing these shift operators is to use the
Provide_Shift_Operators pragma, which provides the function declarations and
corresponding pragma Import’s for all five shift functions. For signed types
the semantics of these operators is to interpret the bitwise result of the
corresponding operator for modular type. In particular, shifting a negative
number may change its sign bit to positive.
@node Source_Location,,Shifts and Rotates,Intrinsic Subprograms
@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms id13}@anchor{274}@anchor{gnat_rm/intrinsic_subprograms source-location}@anchor{275}
@section Source_Location
@geindex Source_Location
This intrinsic subprogram is used in the implementation of the
library routine @code{GNAT.Source_Info}. The only useful use of the
intrinsic import in this case is the one in this unit, so an
application program should simply call the function
@code{GNAT.Source_Info.Source_Location} to obtain the current
source file location.
@node Representation Clauses and Pragmas,Standard Library Routines,Intrinsic Subprograms,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas doc}@anchor{276}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id1}@anchor{277}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas representation-clauses-and-pragmas}@anchor{d}
@chapter Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@geindex Representation Clauses
@geindex Representation Clause
@geindex Representation Pragma
@geindex Pragma
@geindex representation
This section describes the representation clauses accepted by GNAT, and
their effect on the representation of corresponding data objects.
GNAT fully implements Annex C (Systems Programming). This means that all
the implementation advice sections in chapter 13 are fully implemented.
However, these sections only require a minimal level of support for
representation clauses. GNAT provides much more extensive capabilities,
and this section describes the additional capabilities provided.
@menu
* Alignment Clauses::
* Size Clauses::
* Storage_Size Clauses::
* Size of Variant Record Objects::
* Biased Representation::
* Value_Size and Object_Size Clauses::
* Component_Size Clauses::
* Bit_Order Clauses::
* Effect of Bit_Order on Byte Ordering::
* Pragma Pack for Arrays::
* Pragma Pack for Records::
* Record Representation Clauses::
* Handling of Records with Holes::
* Enumeration Clauses::
* Address Clauses::
* Use of Address Clauses for Memory-Mapped I/O::
* Effect of Convention on Representation::
* Conventions and Anonymous Access Types::
* Determining the Representations chosen by GNAT::
@end menu
@node Alignment Clauses,Size Clauses,,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas alignment-clauses}@anchor{278}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id2}@anchor{279}
@section Alignment Clauses
@geindex Alignment Clause
GNAT requires that all alignment clauses specify 0 or a power of 2, and
all default alignments are always a power of 2. Specifying 0 is the
same as specifying 1.
The default alignment values are as follows:
@itemize *
@item
@emph{Elementary Types}.
For elementary types, the alignment is the minimum of the actual size of
objects of the type divided by @code{Storage_Unit},
and the maximum alignment supported by the target.
(This maximum alignment is given by the GNAT-specific attribute
@code{Standard'Maximum_Alignment}; see @ref{18c,,Attribute Maximum_Alignment}.)
@geindex Maximum_Alignment attribute
For example, for type @code{Long_Float}, the object size is 8 bytes, and the
default alignment will be 8 on any target that supports alignments
this large, but on some targets, the maximum alignment may be smaller
than 8, in which case objects of type @code{Long_Float} will be maximally
aligned.
@item
@emph{Arrays}.
For arrays, the alignment is equal to the alignment of the component type
for the normal case where no packing or component size is given. If the
array is packed, and the packing is effective (see separate section on
packed arrays), then the alignment will be either 4, 2, or 1 for long packed
arrays or arrays whose length is not known at compile time, depending on
whether the component size is divisible by 4, 2, or is odd. For short packed
arrays, which are handled internally as modular types, the alignment
will be as described for elementary types, e.g. a packed array of length
31 bits will have an object size of four bytes, and an alignment of 4.
@item
@emph{Records}.
For the normal unpacked case, the alignment of a record is equal to
the maximum alignment of any of its components. For tagged records, this
includes the implicit access type used for the tag. If a pragma @code{Pack}
is used and all components are packable (see separate section on pragma
@code{Pack}), then the resulting alignment is 1, unless the layout of the
record makes it profitable to increase it.
A special case is when:
@itemize *
@item
the size of the record is given explicitly, or a
full record representation clause is given, and
@item
the size of the record is 2, 4, or 8 bytes.
@end itemize
In this case, an alignment is chosen to match the
size of the record. For example, if we have:
@example
type Small is record
A, B : Character;
end record;
for Small'Size use 16;
@end example
then the default alignment of the record type @code{Small} is 2, not 1. This
leads to more efficient code when the record is treated as a unit, and also
allows the type to specified as @code{Atomic} on architectures requiring
strict alignment.
@end itemize
An alignment clause may specify a larger alignment than the default value
up to some maximum value dependent on the target (obtainable by using the
attribute reference @code{Standard'Maximum_Alignment}). It may also specify
a smaller alignment than the default value for enumeration, integer and
fixed point types, as well as for record types, for example
@example
type V is record
A : Integer;
end record;
for V'alignment use 1;
@end example
@geindex Alignment
@geindex default
The default alignment for the type @code{V} is 4, as a result of the
Integer field in the record, but it is permissible, as shown, to
override the default alignment of the record with a smaller value.
@geindex Alignment
@geindex subtypes
Note that according to the Ada standard, an alignment clause applies only
to the first named subtype. If additional subtypes are declared, then the
compiler is allowed to choose any alignment it likes, and there is no way
to control this choice. Consider:
@example
type R is range 1 .. 10_000;
for R'Alignment use 1;
subtype RS is R range 1 .. 1000;
@end example
The alignment clause specifies an alignment of 1 for the first named subtype
@code{R} but this does not necessarily apply to @code{RS}. When writing
portable Ada code, you should avoid writing code that explicitly or
implicitly relies on the alignment of such subtypes.
For the GNAT compiler, if an explicit alignment clause is given, this
value is also used for any subsequent subtypes. So for GNAT, in the
above example, you can count on the alignment of @code{RS} being 1. But this
assumption is non-portable, and other compilers may choose different
alignments for the subtype @code{RS}.
@node Size Clauses,Storage_Size Clauses,Alignment Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id3}@anchor{27a}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas size-clauses}@anchor{27b}
@section Size Clauses
@geindex Size Clause
The default size for a type @code{T} is obtainable through the
language-defined attribute @code{T'Size} and also through the
equivalent GNAT-defined attribute @code{T'Value_Size}.
For objects of type @code{T}, GNAT will generally increase the type size
so that the object size (obtainable through the GNAT-defined attribute
@code{T'Object_Size})
is a multiple of @code{T'Alignment * Storage_Unit}.
For example:
@example
type Smallint is range 1 .. 6;
type Rec is record
Y1 : integer;
Y2 : boolean;
end record;
@end example
In this example, @code{Smallint'Size} = @code{Smallint'Value_Size} = 3,
as specified by the RM rules,
but objects of this type will have a size of 8
(@code{Smallint'Object_Size} = 8),
since objects by default occupy an integral number
of storage units. On some targets, notably older
versions of the Digital Alpha, the size of stand
alone objects of this type may be 32, reflecting
the inability of the hardware to do byte load/stores.
Similarly, the size of type @code{Rec} is 40 bits
(@code{Rec'Size} = @code{Rec'Value_Size} = 40), but
the alignment is 4, so objects of this type will have
their size increased to 64 bits so that it is a multiple
of the alignment (in bits). This decision is
in accordance with the specific Implementation Advice in RM 13.3(43):
@quotation
“A @code{Size} clause should be supported for an object if the specified
@code{Size} is at least as large as its subtype’s @code{Size}, and corresponds
to a size in storage elements that is a multiple of the object’s
@code{Alignment} (if the @code{Alignment} is nonzero).”
@end quotation
An explicit size clause may be used to override the default size by
increasing it. For example, if we have:
@example
type My_Boolean is new Boolean;
for My_Boolean'Size use 32;
@end example
then values of this type will always be 32-bit long. In the case of discrete
types, the size can be increased up to 64 bits on 32-bit targets and 128 bits
on 64-bit targets, with the effect that the entire specified field is used to
hold the value, sign- or zero-extended as appropriate. If more than 64 bits
or 128 bits resp. is specified, then padding space is allocated after the
value, and a warning is issued that there are unused bits.
Similarly the size of records and arrays may be increased, and the effect
is to add padding bits after the value. This also causes a warning message
to be generated.
The largest Size value permitted in GNAT is 2**31-1. Since this is a
Size in bits, this corresponds to an object of size 256 megabytes (minus
one). This limitation is true on all targets. The reason for this
limitation is that it improves the quality of the code in many cases
if it is known that a Size value can be accommodated in an object of
type Integer.
@node Storage_Size Clauses,Size of Variant Record Objects,Size Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id4}@anchor{27c}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas storage-size-clauses}@anchor{27d}
@section Storage_Size Clauses
@geindex Storage_Size Clause
For tasks, the @code{Storage_Size} clause specifies the amount of space
to be allocated for the task stack. This cannot be extended, and if the
stack is exhausted, then @code{Storage_Error} will be raised (if stack
checking is enabled). Use a @code{Storage_Size} attribute definition clause,
or a @code{Storage_Size} pragma in the task definition to set the
appropriate required size. A useful technique is to include in every
task definition a pragma of the form:
@example
pragma Storage_Size (Default_Stack_Size);
@end example
Then @code{Default_Stack_Size} can be defined in a global package, and
modified as required. Any tasks requiring stack sizes different from the
default can have an appropriate alternative reference in the pragma.
You can also use the @emph{-d} binder switch to modify the default stack
size.
For access types, the @code{Storage_Size} clause specifies the maximum
space available for allocation of objects of the type. If this space is
exceeded then @code{Storage_Error} will be raised by an allocation attempt.
In the case where the access type is declared local to a subprogram, the
use of a @code{Storage_Size} clause triggers automatic use of a special
predefined storage pool (@code{System.Pool_Size}) that ensures that all
space for the pool is automatically reclaimed on exit from the scope in
which the type is declared.
A special case recognized by the compiler is the specification of a
@code{Storage_Size} of zero for an access type. This means that no
items can be allocated from the pool, and this is recognized at compile
time, and all the overhead normally associated with maintaining a fixed
size storage pool is eliminated. Consider the following example:
@example
procedure p is
type R is array (Natural) of Character;
type P is access all R;
for P'Storage_Size use 0;
-- Above access type intended only for interfacing purposes
y : P;
procedure g (m : P);
pragma Import (C, g);
-- ...
begin
-- ...
y := new R;
end;
@end example
As indicated in this example, these dummy storage pools are often useful in
connection with interfacing where no object will ever be allocated. If you
compile the above example, you get the warning:
@example
p.adb:16:09: warning: allocation from empty storage pool
p.adb:16:09: warning: Storage_Error will be raised at run time
@end example
Of course in practice, there will not be any explicit allocators in the
case of such an access declaration.
@node Size of Variant Record Objects,Biased Representation,Storage_Size Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id5}@anchor{27e}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas size-of-variant-record-objects}@anchor{27f}
@section Size of Variant Record Objects
@geindex Size
@geindex variant record objects
@geindex Variant record objects
@geindex size
In the case of variant record objects, there is a question whether Size gives
information about a particular variant, or the maximum size required
for any variant. Consider the following program
@example
with Text_IO; use Text_IO;
procedure q is
type R1 (A : Boolean := False) is record
case A is
when True => X : Character;
when False => null;
end case;
end record;
V1 : R1 (False);
V2 : R1;
begin
Put_Line (Integer'Image (V1'Size));
Put_Line (Integer'Image (V2'Size));
end q;
@end example
Here we are dealing with a variant record, where the True variant
requires 16 bits, and the False variant requires 8 bits.
In the above example, both V1 and V2 contain the False variant,
which is only 8 bits long. However, the result of running the
program is:
@example
8
16
@end example
The reason for the difference here is that the discriminant value of
V1 is fixed, and will always be False. It is not possible to assign
a True variant value to V1, therefore 8 bits is sufficient. On the
other hand, in the case of V2, the initial discriminant value is
False (from the default), but it is possible to assign a True
variant value to V2, therefore 16 bits must be allocated for V2
in the general case, even fewer bits may be needed at any particular
point during the program execution.
As can be seen from the output of this program, the @code{'Size}
attribute applied to such an object in GNAT gives the actual allocated
size of the variable, which is the largest size of any of the variants.
The Ada Reference Manual is not completely clear on what choice should
be made here, but the GNAT behavior seems most consistent with the
language in the RM.
In some cases, it may be desirable to obtain the size of the current
variant, rather than the size of the largest variant. This can be
achieved in GNAT by making use of the fact that in the case of a
subprogram parameter, GNAT does indeed return the size of the current
variant (because a subprogram has no way of knowing how much space
is actually allocated for the actual).
Consider the following modified version of the above program:
@example
with Text_IO; use Text_IO;
procedure q is
type R1 (A : Boolean := False) is record
case A is
when True => X : Character;
when False => null;
end case;
end record;
V2 : R1;
function Size (V : R1) return Integer is
begin
return V'Size;
end Size;
begin
Put_Line (Integer'Image (V2'Size));
Put_Line (Integer'Image (Size (V2)));
V2 := (True, 'x');
Put_Line (Integer'Image (V2'Size));
Put_Line (Integer'Image (Size (V2)));
end q;
@end example
The output from this program is
@example
16
8
16
16
@end example
Here we see that while the @code{'Size} attribute always returns
the maximum size, regardless of the current variant value, the
@code{Size} function does indeed return the size of the current
variant value.
@node Biased Representation,Value_Size and Object_Size Clauses,Size of Variant Record Objects,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas biased-representation}@anchor{280}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id6}@anchor{281}
@section Biased Representation
@geindex Size for biased representation
@geindex Biased representation
In the case of scalars with a range starting at other than zero, it is
possible in some cases to specify a size smaller than the default minimum
value, and in such cases, GNAT uses an unsigned biased representation,
in which zero is used to represent the lower bound, and successive values
represent successive values of the type.
For example, suppose we have the declaration:
@example
type Small is range -7 .. -4;
for Small'Size use 2;
@end example
Although the default size of type @code{Small} is 4, the @code{Size}
clause is accepted by GNAT and results in the following representation
scheme:
@example
-7 is represented as 2#00#
-6 is represented as 2#01#
-5 is represented as 2#10#
-4 is represented as 2#11#
@end example
Biased representation is only used if the specified @code{Size} clause
cannot be accepted in any other manner. These reduced sizes that force
biased representation can be used for all discrete types except for
enumeration types for which a representation clause is given.
@node Value_Size and Object_Size Clauses,Component_Size Clauses,Biased Representation,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id7}@anchor{282}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas value-size-and-object-size-clauses}@anchor{283}
@section Value_Size and Object_Size Clauses
@geindex Value_Size
@geindex Object_Size
@geindex Size
@geindex of objects
In Ada 95 and Ada 2005, @code{T'Size} for a type @code{T} is the minimum
number of bits required to hold values of type @code{T}.
Although this interpretation was allowed in Ada 83, it was not required,
and this requirement in practice can cause some significant difficulties.
For example, in most Ada 83 compilers, @code{Natural'Size} was 32.
However, in Ada 95 and Ada 2005,
@code{Natural'Size} is
typically 31. This means that code may change in behavior when moving
from Ada 83 to Ada 95 or Ada 2005. For example, consider:
@example
type Rec is record;
A : Natural;
B : Natural;
end record;
for Rec use record
at 0 range 0 .. Natural'Size - 1;
at 0 range Natural'Size .. 2 * Natural'Size - 1;
end record;
@end example
In the above code, since the typical size of @code{Natural} objects
is 32 bits and @code{Natural'Size} is 31, the above code can cause
unexpected inefficient packing in Ada 95 and Ada 2005, and in general
there are cases where the fact that the object size can exceed the
size of the type causes surprises.
To help get around this problem GNAT provides two implementation
defined attributes, @code{Value_Size} and @code{Object_Size}. When
applied to a type, these attributes yield the size of the type
(corresponding to the RM defined size attribute), and the size of
objects of the type respectively.
The @code{Object_Size} is used for determining the default size of
objects and components. This size value can be referred to using the
@code{Object_Size} attribute. The phrase ‘is used’ here means that it is
the basis of the determination of the size. The backend is free to
pad this up if necessary for efficiency, e.g., an 8-bit stand-alone
character might be stored in 32 bits on a machine with no efficient
byte access instructions such as the Alpha.
The default rules for the value of @code{Object_Size} for
discrete types are as follows:
@itemize *
@item
The @code{Object_Size} for base subtypes reflect the natural hardware
size in bits (run the compiler with @emph{-gnatS} to find those values
for numeric types). Enumeration types and fixed-point base subtypes have
8, 16, 32, or 64 bits for this size, depending on the range of values
to be stored.
@item
The @code{Object_Size} of a subtype is the same as the
@code{Object_Size} of
the type from which it is obtained.
@item
The @code{Object_Size} of a derived base type is copied from the parent
base type, and the @code{Object_Size} of a derived first subtype is copied
from the parent first subtype.
@end itemize
The @code{Value_Size} attribute
is the (minimum) number of bits required to store a value
of the type.
This value is used to determine how tightly to pack
records or arrays with components of this type, and also affects
the semantics of unchecked conversion (unchecked conversions where
the @code{Value_Size} values differ generate a warning, and are potentially
target dependent).
The default rules for the value of @code{Value_Size} are as follows:
@itemize *
@item
The @code{Value_Size} for a base subtype is the minimum number of bits
required to store all values of the type (including the sign bit
only if negative values are possible).
@item
If a subtype statically matches the first subtype of a given type, then it has
by default the same @code{Value_Size} as the first subtype. This is a
consequence of RM 13.1(14): “if two subtypes statically match,
then their subtype-specific aspects are the same”.)
@item
All other subtypes have a @code{Value_Size} corresponding to the minimum
number of bits required to store all values of the subtype. For
dynamic bounds, it is assumed that the value can range down or up
to the corresponding bound of the ancestor
@end itemize
The RM defined attribute @code{Size} corresponds to the
@code{Value_Size} attribute.
The @code{Size} attribute may be defined for a first-named subtype. This sets
the @code{Value_Size} of
the first-named subtype to the given value, and the
@code{Object_Size} of this first-named subtype to the given value padded up
to an appropriate boundary. It is a consequence of the default rules
above that this @code{Object_Size} will apply to all further subtypes. On the
other hand, @code{Value_Size} is affected only for the first subtype, any
dynamic subtypes obtained from it directly, and any statically matching
subtypes. The @code{Value_Size} of any other static subtypes is not affected.
@code{Value_Size} and
@code{Object_Size} may be explicitly set for any subtype using
an attribute definition clause. Note that the use of these attributes
can cause the RM 13.1(14) rule to be violated. If two access types
reference aliased objects whose subtypes have differing @code{Object_Size}
values as a result of explicit attribute definition clauses, then it
is illegal to convert from one access subtype to the other. For a more
complete description of this additional legality rule, see the
description of the @code{Object_Size} attribute.
To get a feel for the difference, consider the following examples (note
that in each case the base is @code{Short_Short_Integer} with a size of 8):
@multitable {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx} {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx} {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx}
@headitem
Type or subtype declaration
@tab
Object_Size
@tab
Value_Size
@item
@code{type x1 is range 0 .. 5;}
@tab
8
@tab
3
@item
@code{type x2 is range 0 .. 5;}
@code{for x2'size use 12;}
@tab
16
@tab
12
@item
@code{subtype x3 is x2 range 0 .. 3;}
@tab
16
@tab
2
@item
@code{subtype x4 is x2'base range 0 .. 10;}
@tab
8
@tab
4
@item
@code{dynamic : x2'Base range -64 .. +63;}
@tab
@tab
@item
@code{subtype x5 is x2 range 0 .. dynamic;}
@tab
16
@tab
3*
@item
@code{subtype x6 is x2'base range 0 .. dynamic;}
@tab
8
@tab
7*
@end multitable
Note: the entries marked ‘*’ are not actually specified by the Ada
Reference Manual, which has nothing to say about size in the dynamic
case. What GNAT does is to allocate sufficient bits to accommodate any
possible dynamic values for the bounds at run-time.
So far, so good, but GNAT has to obey the RM rules, so the question is
under what conditions must the RM @code{Size} be used.
The following is a list
of the occasions on which the RM @code{Size} must be used:
@itemize *
@item
Component size for packed arrays or records
@item
Value of the attribute @code{Size} for a type
@item
Warning about sizes not matching for unchecked conversion
@end itemize
For record types, the @code{Object_Size} is always a multiple of the
alignment of the type (this is true for all types). In some cases the
@code{Value_Size} can be smaller. Consider:
@example
type R is record
X : Integer;
Y : Character;
end record;
@end example
On a typical 32-bit architecture, the X component will occupy four bytes
and the Y component will occupy one byte, for a total of 5 bytes. As a
result @code{R'Value_Size} will be 40 (bits) since this is the minimum size
required to store a value of this type. For example, it is permissible
to have a component of type R in an array whose component size is
specified to be 40 bits.
However, @code{R'Object_Size} will be 64 (bits). The difference is due to
the alignment requirement for objects of the record type. The X
component will require four-byte alignment because that is what type
Integer requires, whereas the Y component, a Character, will only
require 1-byte alignment. Since the alignment required for X is the
greatest of all the components’ alignments, that is the alignment
required for the enclosing record type, i.e., 4 bytes or 32 bits. As
indicated above, the actual object size must be rounded up so that it is
a multiple of the alignment value. Therefore, 40 bits rounded up to the
next multiple of 32 yields 64 bits.
For all other types, the @code{Object_Size}
and @code{Value_Size} are the same (and equivalent to the RM attribute @code{Size}).
Only @code{Size} may be specified for such types.
Note that @code{Value_Size} can be used to force biased representation
for a particular subtype. Consider this example:
@example
type R is (A, B, C, D, E, F);
subtype RAB is R range A .. B;
subtype REF is R range E .. F;
@end example
By default, @code{RAB}
has a size of 1 (sufficient to accommodate the representation
of @code{A} and @code{B}, 0 and 1), and @code{REF}
has a size of 3 (sufficient to accommodate the representation
of @code{E} and @code{F}, 4 and 5). But if we add the
following @code{Value_Size} attribute definition clause:
@example
for REF'Value_Size use 1;
@end example
then biased representation is forced for @code{REF},
and 0 will represent @code{E} and 1 will represent @code{F}.
A warning is issued when a @code{Value_Size} attribute
definition clause forces biased representation. This
warning can be turned off using @code{-gnatw.B}.
@node Component_Size Clauses,Bit_Order Clauses,Value_Size and Object_Size Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas component-size-clauses}@anchor{284}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id8}@anchor{285}
@section Component_Size Clauses
@geindex Component_Size Clause
Normally, the value specified in a component size clause must be consistent
with the subtype of the array component with regard to size and alignment.
In other words, the value specified must be at least equal to the size
of this subtype, and must be a multiple of the alignment value.
In addition, component size clauses are allowed which cause the array
to be packed, by specifying a smaller value. A first case is for
component size values in the range 1 through 63 on 32-bit targets,
and 1 through 127 on 64-bit targets. The value specified may not
be smaller than the Size of the subtype. GNAT will accurately
honor all packing requests in this range. For example, if we have:
@example
type r is array (1 .. 8) of Natural;
for r'Component_Size use 31;
@end example
then the resulting array has a length of 31 bytes (248 bits = 8 * 31).
Of course access to the components of such an array is considerably
less efficient than if the natural component size of 32 is used.
A second case is when the subtype of the component is a record type
padded because of its default alignment. For example, if we have:
@example
type r is record
i : Integer;
j : Integer;
b : Boolean;
end record;
type a is array (1 .. 8) of r;
for a'Component_Size use 72;
@end example
then the resulting array has a length of 72 bytes, instead of 96 bytes
if the alignment of the record (4) was obeyed.
Note that there is no point in giving both a component size clause
and a pragma Pack for the same array type. if such duplicate
clauses are given, the pragma Pack will be ignored.
@node Bit_Order Clauses,Effect of Bit_Order on Byte Ordering,Component_Size Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas bit-order-clauses}@anchor{286}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id9}@anchor{287}
@section Bit_Order Clauses
@geindex Bit_Order Clause
@geindex bit ordering
@geindex ordering
@geindex of bits
For record subtypes, GNAT permits the specification of the @code{Bit_Order}
attribute. The specification may either correspond to the default bit
order for the target, in which case the specification has no effect and
places no additional restrictions, or it may be for the non-standard
setting (that is the opposite of the default).
In the case where the non-standard value is specified, the effect is
to renumber bits within each byte, but the ordering of bytes is not
affected. There are certain
restrictions placed on component clauses as follows:
@itemize *
@item
Components fitting within a single storage unit.
These are unrestricted, and the effect is merely to renumber bits. For
example if we are on a little-endian machine with @code{Low_Order_First}
being the default, then the following two declarations have exactly
the same effect:
@example
type R1 is record
A : Boolean;
B : Integer range 1 .. 120;
end record;
for R1 use record
A at 0 range 0 .. 0;
B at 0 range 1 .. 7;
end record;
type R2 is record
A : Boolean;
B : Integer range 1 .. 120;
end record;
for R2'Bit_Order use High_Order_First;
for R2 use record
A at 0 range 7 .. 7;
B at 0 range 0 .. 6;
end record;
@end example
The useful application here is to write the second declaration with the
@code{Bit_Order} attribute definition clause, and know that it will be treated
the same, regardless of whether the target is little-endian or big-endian.
@item
Components occupying an integral number of bytes.
These are components that exactly fit in two or more bytes. Such component
declarations are allowed, but have no effect, since it is important to realize
that the @code{Bit_Order} specification does not affect the ordering of bytes.
In particular, the following attempt at getting an endian-independent integer
does not work:
@example
type R2 is record
A : Integer;
end record;
for R2'Bit_Order use High_Order_First;
for R2 use record
A at 0 range 0 .. 31;
end record;
@end example
This declaration will result in a little-endian integer on a
little-endian machine, and a big-endian integer on a big-endian machine.
If byte flipping is required for interoperability between big- and
little-endian machines, this must be explicitly programmed. This capability
is not provided by @code{Bit_Order}.
@item
Components that are positioned across byte boundaries.
but do not occupy an integral number of bytes. Given that bytes are not
reordered, such fields would occupy a non-contiguous sequence of bits
in memory, requiring non-trivial code to reassemble. They are for this
reason not permitted, and any component clause specifying such a layout
will be flagged as illegal by GNAT.
@end itemize
Since the misconception that Bit_Order automatically deals with all
endian-related incompatibilities is a common one, the specification of
a component field that is an integral number of bytes will always
generate a warning. This warning may be suppressed using @code{pragma Warnings (Off)}
if desired. The following section contains additional
details regarding the issue of byte ordering.
@node Effect of Bit_Order on Byte Ordering,Pragma Pack for Arrays,Bit_Order Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas effect-of-bit-order-on-byte-ordering}@anchor{288}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id10}@anchor{289}
@section Effect of Bit_Order on Byte Ordering
@geindex byte ordering
@geindex ordering
@geindex of bytes
In this section we will review the effect of the @code{Bit_Order} attribute
definition clause on byte ordering. Briefly, it has no effect at all, but
a detailed example will be helpful. Before giving this
example, let us review the precise
definition of the effect of defining @code{Bit_Order}. The effect of a
non-standard bit order is described in section 13.5.3 of the Ada
Reference Manual:
@quotation
“2 A bit ordering is a method of interpreting the meaning of
the storage place attributes.”
@end quotation
To understand the precise definition of storage place attributes in
this context, we visit section 13.5.1 of the manual:
@quotation
“13 A record_representation_clause (without the mod_clause)
specifies the layout. The storage place attributes (see 13.5.2)
are taken from the values of the position, first_bit, and last_bit
expressions after normalizing those values so that first_bit is
less than Storage_Unit.”
@end quotation
The critical point here is that storage places are taken from
the values after normalization, not before. So the @code{Bit_Order}
interpretation applies to normalized values. The interpretation
is described in the later part of the 13.5.3 paragraph:
@quotation
“2 A bit ordering is a method of interpreting the meaning of
the storage place attributes. High_Order_First (known in the
vernacular as ‘big endian’) means that the first bit of a
storage element (bit 0) is the most significant bit (interpreting
the sequence of bits that represent a component as an unsigned
integer value). Low_Order_First (known in the vernacular as
‘little endian’) means the opposite: the first bit is the
least significant.”
@end quotation
Note that the numbering is with respect to the bits of a storage
unit. In other words, the specification affects only the numbering
of bits within a single storage unit.
We can make the effect clearer by giving an example.
Suppose that we have an external device which presents two bytes, the first
byte presented, which is the first (low addressed byte) of the two byte
record is called Master, and the second byte is called Slave.
The left most (most significant bit is called Control for each byte, and
the remaining 7 bits are called V1, V2, … V7, where V7 is the rightmost
(least significant) bit.
On a big-endian machine, we can write the following representation clause
@example
type Data is record
Master_Control : Bit;
Master_V1 : Bit;
Master_V2 : Bit;
Master_V3 : Bit;
Master_V4 : Bit;
Master_V5 : Bit;
Master_V6 : Bit;
Master_V7 : Bit;
Slave_Control : Bit;
Slave_V1 : Bit;
Slave_V2 : Bit;
Slave_V3 : Bit;
Slave_V4 : Bit;
Slave_V5 : Bit;
Slave_V6 : Bit;
Slave_V7 : Bit;
end record;
for Data use record
Master_Control at 0 range 0 .. 0;
Master_V1 at 0 range 1 .. 1;
Master_V2 at 0 range 2 .. 2;
Master_V3 at 0 range 3 .. 3;
Master_V4 at 0 range 4 .. 4;
Master_V5 at 0 range 5 .. 5;
Master_V6 at 0 range 6 .. 6;
Master_V7 at 0 range 7 .. 7;
Slave_Control at 1 range 0 .. 0;
Slave_V1 at 1 range 1 .. 1;
Slave_V2 at 1 range 2 .. 2;
Slave_V3 at 1 range 3 .. 3;
Slave_V4 at 1 range 4 .. 4;
Slave_V5 at 1 range 5 .. 5;
Slave_V6 at 1 range 6 .. 6;
Slave_V7 at 1 range 7 .. 7;
end record;
@end example
Now if we move this to a little endian machine, then the bit ordering within
the byte is backwards, so we have to rewrite the record rep clause as:
@example
for Data use record
Master_Control at 0 range 7 .. 7;
Master_V1 at 0 range 6 .. 6;
Master_V2 at 0 range 5 .. 5;
Master_V3 at 0 range 4 .. 4;
Master_V4 at 0 range 3 .. 3;
Master_V5 at 0 range 2 .. 2;
Master_V6 at 0 range 1 .. 1;
Master_V7 at 0 range 0 .. 0;
Slave_Control at 1 range 7 .. 7;
Slave_V1 at 1 range 6 .. 6;
Slave_V2 at 1 range 5 .. 5;
Slave_V3 at 1 range 4 .. 4;
Slave_V4 at 1 range 3 .. 3;
Slave_V5 at 1 range 2 .. 2;
Slave_V6 at 1 range 1 .. 1;
Slave_V7 at 1 range 0 .. 0;
end record;
@end example
It is a nuisance to have to rewrite the clause, especially if
the code has to be maintained on both machines. However,
this is a case that we can handle with the
@code{Bit_Order} attribute if it is implemented.
Note that the implementation is not required on byte addressed
machines, but it is indeed implemented in GNAT.
This means that we can simply use the
first record clause, together with the declaration
@example
for Data'Bit_Order use High_Order_First;
@end example
and the effect is what is desired, namely the layout is exactly the same,
independent of whether the code is compiled on a big-endian or little-endian
machine.
The important point to understand is that byte ordering is not affected.
A @code{Bit_Order} attribute definition never affects which byte a field
ends up in, only where it ends up in that byte.
To make this clear, let us rewrite the record rep clause of the previous
example as:
@example
for Data'Bit_Order use High_Order_First;
for Data use record
Master_Control at 0 range 0 .. 0;
Master_V1 at 0 range 1 .. 1;
Master_V2 at 0 range 2 .. 2;
Master_V3 at 0 range 3 .. 3;
Master_V4 at 0 range 4 .. 4;
Master_V5 at 0 range 5 .. 5;
Master_V6 at 0 range 6 .. 6;
Master_V7 at 0 range 7 .. 7;
Slave_Control at 0 range 8 .. 8;
Slave_V1 at 0 range 9 .. 9;
Slave_V2 at 0 range 10 .. 10;
Slave_V3 at 0 range 11 .. 11;
Slave_V4 at 0 range 12 .. 12;
Slave_V5 at 0 range 13 .. 13;
Slave_V6 at 0 range 14 .. 14;
Slave_V7 at 0 range 15 .. 15;
end record;
@end example
This is exactly equivalent to saying (a repeat of the first example):
@example
for Data'Bit_Order use High_Order_First;
for Data use record
Master_Control at 0 range 0 .. 0;
Master_V1 at 0 range 1 .. 1;
Master_V2 at 0 range 2 .. 2;
Master_V3 at 0 range 3 .. 3;
Master_V4 at 0 range 4 .. 4;
Master_V5 at 0 range 5 .. 5;
Master_V6 at 0 range 6 .. 6;
Master_V7 at 0 range 7 .. 7;
Slave_Control at 1 range 0 .. 0;
Slave_V1 at 1 range 1 .. 1;
Slave_V2 at 1 range 2 .. 2;
Slave_V3 at 1 range 3 .. 3;
Slave_V4 at 1 range 4 .. 4;
Slave_V5 at 1 range 5 .. 5;
Slave_V6 at 1 range 6 .. 6;
Slave_V7 at 1 range 7 .. 7;
end record;
@end example
Why are they equivalent? Well take a specific field, the @code{Slave_V2}
field. The storage place attributes are obtained by normalizing the
values given so that the @code{First_Bit} value is less than 8. After
normalizing the values (0,10,10) we get (1,2,2) which is exactly what
we specified in the other case.
Now one might expect that the @code{Bit_Order} attribute might affect
bit numbering within the entire record component (two bytes in this
case, thus affecting which byte fields end up in), but that is not
the way this feature is defined, it only affects numbering of bits,
not which byte they end up in.
Consequently it never makes sense to specify a starting bit number
greater than 7 (for a byte addressable field) if an attribute
definition for @code{Bit_Order} has been given, and indeed it
may be actively confusing to specify such a value, so the compiler
generates a warning for such usage.
If you do need to control byte ordering then appropriate conditional
values must be used. If in our example, the slave byte came first on
some machines we might write:
@example
Master_Byte_First constant Boolean := ...;
Master_Byte : constant Natural :=
1 - Boolean'Pos (Master_Byte_First);
Slave_Byte : constant Natural :=
Boolean'Pos (Master_Byte_First);
for Data'Bit_Order use High_Order_First;
for Data use record
Master_Control at Master_Byte range 0 .. 0;
Master_V1 at Master_Byte range 1 .. 1;
Master_V2 at Master_Byte range 2 .. 2;
Master_V3 at Master_Byte range 3 .. 3;
Master_V4 at Master_Byte range 4 .. 4;
Master_V5 at Master_Byte range 5 .. 5;
Master_V6 at Master_Byte range 6 .. 6;
Master_V7 at Master_Byte range 7 .. 7;
Slave_Control at Slave_Byte range 0 .. 0;
Slave_V1 at Slave_Byte range 1 .. 1;
Slave_V2 at Slave_Byte range 2 .. 2;
Slave_V3 at Slave_Byte range 3 .. 3;
Slave_V4 at Slave_Byte range 4 .. 4;
Slave_V5 at Slave_Byte range 5 .. 5;
Slave_V6 at Slave_Byte range 6 .. 6;
Slave_V7 at Slave_Byte range 7 .. 7;
end record;
@end example
Now to switch between machines, all that is necessary is
to set the boolean constant @code{Master_Byte_First} in
an appropriate manner.
@node Pragma Pack for Arrays,Pragma Pack for Records,Effect of Bit_Order on Byte Ordering,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id11}@anchor{28a}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas pragma-pack-for-arrays}@anchor{28b}
@section Pragma Pack for Arrays
@geindex Pragma Pack (for arrays)
Pragma @code{Pack} applied to an array has an effect that depends upon whether the
component type is @emph{packable}. For a component type to be @emph{packable}, it must
be one of the following cases:
@itemize *
@item
Any elementary type.
@item
Any small packed array type with a static size.
@item
Any small simple record type with a static size.
@end itemize
For all these cases, if the component subtype size is in the range
1 through 63 on 32-bit targets, and 1 through 127 on 64-bit targets,
then the effect of the pragma @code{Pack} is exactly as though a
component size were specified giving the component subtype size.
All other types are non-packable, they occupy an integral number of storage
units and the only effect of pragma Pack is to remove alignment gaps.
For example if we have:
@example
type r is range 0 .. 17;
type ar is array (1 .. 8) of r;
pragma Pack (ar);
@end example
Then the component size of @code{ar} will be set to 5 (i.e., to @code{r'size},
and the size of the array @code{ar} will be exactly 40 bits).
Note that in some cases this rather fierce approach to packing can produce
unexpected effects. For example, in Ada 95 and Ada 2005,
subtype @code{Natural} typically has a size of 31, meaning that if you
pack an array of @code{Natural}, you get 31-bit
close packing, which saves a few bits, but results in far less efficient
access. Since many other Ada compilers will ignore such a packing request,
GNAT will generate a warning on some uses of pragma @code{Pack} that it guesses
might not be what is intended. You can easily remove this warning by
using an explicit @code{Component_Size} setting instead, which never generates
a warning, since the intention of the programmer is clear in this case.
GNAT treats packed arrays in one of two ways. If the size of the array is
known at compile time and is at most 64 bits on 32-bit targets, and at most
128 bits on 64-bit targets, then internally the array is represented as a
single modular type, of exactly the appropriate number of bits. If the
length is greater than 64 bits on 32-bit targets, and greater than 128
bits on 64-bit targets, or is not known at compile time, then the packed
array is represented as an array of bytes, and its length is always a
multiple of 8 bits.
Note that to represent a packed array as a modular type, the alignment must
be suitable for the modular type involved. For example, on typical machines
a 32-bit packed array will be represented by a 32-bit modular integer with
an alignment of four bytes. If you explicitly override the default alignment
with an alignment clause that is too small, the modular representation
cannot be used. For example, consider the following set of declarations:
@example
type R is range 1 .. 3;
type S is array (1 .. 31) of R;
for S'Component_Size use 2;
for S'Size use 62;
for S'Alignment use 1;
@end example
If the alignment clause were not present, then a 62-bit modular
representation would be chosen (typically with an alignment of 4 or 8
bytes depending on the target). But the default alignment is overridden
with the explicit alignment clause. This means that the modular
representation cannot be used, and instead the array of bytes
representation must be used, meaning that the length must be a multiple
of 8. Thus the above set of declarations will result in a diagnostic
rejecting the size clause and noting that the minimum size allowed is 64.
@geindex Pragma Pack (for type Natural)
@geindex Pragma Pack warning
One special case that is worth noting occurs when the base type of the
component size is 8/16/32 and the subtype is one bit less. Notably this
occurs with subtype @code{Natural}. Consider:
@example
type Arr is array (1 .. 32) of Natural;
pragma Pack (Arr);
@end example
In all commonly used Ada 83 compilers, this pragma Pack would be ignored,
since typically @code{Natural'Size} is 32 in Ada 83, and in any case most
Ada 83 compilers did not attempt 31 bit packing.
In Ada 95 and Ada 2005, @code{Natural'Size} is required to be 31. Furthermore,
GNAT really does pack 31-bit subtype to 31 bits. This may result in a
substantial unintended performance penalty when porting legacy Ada 83 code.
To help prevent this, GNAT generates a warning in such cases. If you really
want 31 bit packing in a case like this, you can set the component size
explicitly:
@example
type Arr is array (1 .. 32) of Natural;
for Arr'Component_Size use 31;
@end example
Here 31-bit packing is achieved as required, and no warning is generated,
since in this case the programmer intention is clear.
@node Pragma Pack for Records,Record Representation Clauses,Pragma Pack for Arrays,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id12}@anchor{28c}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas pragma-pack-for-records}@anchor{28d}
@section Pragma Pack for Records
@geindex Pragma Pack (for records)
Pragma @code{Pack} applied to a record will pack the components to reduce
wasted space from alignment gaps and by reducing the amount of space
taken by components. We distinguish between @emph{packable} components and
@emph{non-packable} components.
Components of the following types are considered packable:
@itemize *
@item
Components of an elementary type are packable unless they are aliased,
independent or atomic.
@item
Small packed arrays, where the size is statically known, are represented
internally as modular integers, and so they are also packable.
@item
Small simple records, where the size is statically known, are also packable.
@end itemize
For all these cases, if the @code{'Size} value is in the range 1 through 64 on
32-bit targets, and 1 through 128 on 64-bit targets, the components occupy
the exact number of bits corresponding to this value and are packed with no
padding bits, i.e. they can start on an arbitrary bit boundary.
All other types are non-packable, they occupy an integral number of storage
units and the only effect of pragma @code{Pack} is to remove alignment gaps.
For example, consider the record
@example
type Rb1 is array (1 .. 13) of Boolean;
pragma Pack (Rb1);
type Rb2 is array (1 .. 65) of Boolean;
pragma Pack (Rb2);
type AF is new Float with Atomic;
type X2 is record
L1 : Boolean;
L2 : Duration;
L3 : AF;
L4 : Boolean;
L5 : Rb1;
L6 : Rb2;
end record;
pragma Pack (X2);
@end example
The representation for the record @code{X2} is as follows on 32-bit targets:
@example
for X2'Size use 224;
for X2 use record
L1 at 0 range 0 .. 0;
L2 at 0 range 1 .. 64;
L3 at 12 range 0 .. 31;
L4 at 16 range 0 .. 0;
L5 at 16 range 1 .. 13;
L6 at 18 range 0 .. 71;
end record;
@end example
Studying this example, we see that the packable fields @code{L1}
and @code{L2} are of length equal to their sizes, and placed at
specific bit boundaries (and not byte boundaries) to eliminate
padding. But @code{L3} is of a non-packable float type (because
it is aliased), so it is on the next appropriate alignment boundary.
The next two fields are fully packable, so @code{L4} and @code{L5} are
minimally packed with no gaps. However, type @code{Rb2} is a packed
array that is longer than 64 bits, so it is itself non-packable on
32-bit targets. Thus the @code{L6} field is aligned to the next byte
boundary, and takes an integral number of bytes, i.e., 72 bits.
@node Record Representation Clauses,Handling of Records with Holes,Pragma Pack for Records,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id13}@anchor{28e}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas record-representation-clauses}@anchor{28f}
@section Record Representation Clauses
@geindex Record Representation Clause
Record representation clauses may be given for all record types, including
types obtained by record extension. Component clauses are allowed for any
static component. The restrictions on component clauses depend on the type
of the component.
@geindex Component Clause
For all components of an elementary type, the only restriction on component
clauses is that the size must be at least the @code{'Size} value of the type
(actually the Value_Size). There are no restrictions due to alignment,
and such components may freely cross storage boundaries.
Packed arrays with a size up to and including 64 bits on 32-bit targets,
and up to and including 128 bits on 64-bit targets, are represented
internally using a modular type with the appropriate number of bits, and
thus the same lack of restriction applies. For example, if you declare:
@example
type R is array (1 .. 49) of Boolean;
pragma Pack (R);
for R'Size use 49;
@end example
then a component clause for a component of type @code{R} may start on any
specified bit boundary, and may specify a value of 49 bits or greater.
For packed bit arrays that are longer than 64 bits on 32-bit targets,
and longer than 128 bits on 64-bit targets, there are two cases. If the
component size is a power of 2 (1,2,4,8,16,32,64 bits), including the
important case of single bits or boolean values, then there are no
limitations on placement of such components, and they may start and
end at arbitrary bit boundaries.
If the component size is not a power of 2 (e.g., 3 or 5), then an array
of this type must always be placed on on a storage unit (byte) boundary
and occupy an integral number of storage units (bytes). Any component
clause that does not meet this requirement will be rejected.
Any aliased component, or component of an aliased type, must have its
normal alignment and size. A component clause that does not meet this
requirement will be rejected.
The tag field of a tagged type always occupies an address sized field at
the start of the record. No component clause may attempt to overlay this
tag. When a tagged type appears as a component, the tag field must have
proper alignment
In the case of a record extension @code{T1}, of a type @code{T}, no component
clause applied to the type @code{T1} can specify a storage location that
would overlap the first @code{T'Object_Size} bits of the record.
For all other component types, including non-bit-packed arrays,
the component can be placed at an arbitrary bit boundary,
so for example, the following is permitted:
@example
type R is array (1 .. 10) of Boolean;
for R'Size use 80;
type Q is record
G, H : Boolean;
L, M : R;
end record;
for Q use record
G at 0 range 0 .. 0;
H at 0 range 1 .. 1;
L at 0 range 2 .. 81;
R at 0 range 82 .. 161;
end record;
@end example
@node Handling of Records with Holes,Enumeration Clauses,Record Representation Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas handling-of-records-with-holes}@anchor{290}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id14}@anchor{291}
@section Handling of Records with Holes
@geindex Handling of Records with Holes
As a result of alignment considerations, records may contain “holes”
or gaps which do not correspond to the data bits of any of the components.
Record representation clauses can also result in holes in records.
GNAT does not attempt to clear these holes, so in record objects,
they should be considered to hold undefined rubbish. The generated
equality routine just tests components so does not access these
undefined bits, and assignment and copy operations may or may not
preserve the contents of these holes (for assignments, the holes
in the target will in practice contain either the bits that are
present in the holes in the source, or the bits that were present
in the target before the assignment).
If it is necessary to ensure that holes in records have all zero
bits, then record objects for which this initialization is desired
should be explicitly set to all zero values using Unchecked_Conversion
or address overlays. For example
@example
type HRec is record
C : Character;
I : Integer;
end record;
@end example
On typical machines, integers need to be aligned on a four-byte
boundary, resulting in three bytes of undefined rubbish following
the 8-bit field for C. To ensure that the hole in a variable of
type HRec is set to all zero bits,
you could for example do:
@example
type Base is record
Dummy1, Dummy2 : Integer := 0;
end record;
BaseVar : Base;
RealVar : Hrec;
for RealVar'Address use BaseVar'Address;
@end example
Now the 8-bytes of the value of RealVar start out containing all zero
bits. A safer approach is to just define dummy fields, avoiding the
holes, as in:
@example
type HRec is record
C : Character;
Dummy1 : Short_Short_Integer := 0;
Dummy2 : Short_Short_Integer := 0;
Dummy3 : Short_Short_Integer := 0;
I : Integer;
end record;
@end example
And to make absolutely sure that the intent of this is followed, you
can use representation clauses:
@example
for Hrec use record
C at 0 range 0 .. 7;
Dummy1 at 1 range 0 .. 7;
Dummy2 at 2 range 0 .. 7;
Dummy3 at 3 range 0 .. 7;
I at 4 range 0 .. 31;
end record;
for Hrec'Size use 64;
@end example
@node Enumeration Clauses,Address Clauses,Handling of Records with Holes,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas enumeration-clauses}@anchor{292}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id15}@anchor{293}
@section Enumeration Clauses
The only restriction on enumeration clauses is that the range of values
must be representable. For the signed case, if one or more of the
representation values are negative, all values must be in the range:
@example
System.Min_Int .. System.Max_Int
@end example
For the unsigned case, where all values are nonnegative, the values must
be in the range:
@example
0 .. System.Max_Binary_Modulus;
@end example
A @emph{confirming} representation clause is one in which the values range
from 0 in sequence, i.e., a clause that confirms the default representation
for an enumeration type.
Such a confirming representation
is permitted by these rules, and is specially recognized by the compiler so
that no extra overhead results from the use of such a clause.
If an array has an index type which is an enumeration type to which an
enumeration clause has been applied, then the array is stored in a compact
manner. Consider the declarations:
@example
type r is (A, B, C);
for r use (A => 1, B => 5, C => 10);
type t is array (r) of Character;
@end example
The array type t corresponds to a vector with exactly three elements and
has a default size equal to @code{3*Character'Size}. This ensures efficient
use of space, but means that accesses to elements of the array will incur
the overhead of converting representation values to the corresponding
positional values, (i.e., the value delivered by the @code{Pos} attribute).
@node Address Clauses,Use of Address Clauses for Memory-Mapped I/O,Enumeration Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas address-clauses}@anchor{294}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id16}@anchor{295}
@section Address Clauses
@geindex Address Clause
The reference manual allows a general restriction on representation clauses,
as found in RM 13.1(22):
@quotation
“An implementation need not support representation
items containing nonstatic expressions, except that
an implementation should support a representation item
for a given entity if each nonstatic expression in the
representation item is a name that statically denotes
a constant declared before the entity.”
@end quotation
In practice this is applicable only to address clauses, since this is the
only case in which a nonstatic expression is permitted by the syntax. As
the AARM notes in sections 13.1 (22.a-22.h):
@quotation
22.a Reason: This is to avoid the following sort of thing:
22.b X : Integer := F(…);
Y : Address := G(…);
for X’Address use Y;
22.c In the above, we have to evaluate the
initialization expression for X before we
know where to put the result. This seems
like an unreasonable implementation burden.
22.d The above code should instead be written
like this:
22.e Y : constant Address := G(…);
X : Integer := F(…);
for X’Address use Y;
22.f This allows the expression ‘Y’ to be safely
evaluated before X is created.
22.g The constant could be a formal parameter of mode in.
22.h An implementation can support other nonstatic
expressions if it wants to. Expressions of type
Address are hardly ever static, but their value
might be known at compile time anyway in many
cases.
@end quotation
GNAT does indeed permit many additional cases of nonstatic expressions. In
particular, if the type involved is elementary there are no restrictions
(since in this case, holding a temporary copy of the initialization value,
if one is present, is inexpensive). In addition, if there is no implicit or
explicit initialization, then there are no restrictions. GNAT will reject
only the case where all three of these conditions hold:
@itemize *
@item
The type of the item is non-elementary (e.g., a record or array).
@item
There is explicit or implicit initialization required for the object.
Note that access values are always implicitly initialized.
@item
The address value is nonstatic. Here GNAT is more permissive than the
RM, and allows the address value to be the address of a previously declared
stand-alone variable, as long as it does not itself have an address clause.
@example
Anchor : Some_Initialized_Type;
Overlay : Some_Initialized_Type;
for Overlay'Address use Anchor'Address;
@end example
However, the prefix of the address clause cannot be an array component, or
a component of a discriminated record.
@end itemize
As noted above in section 22.h, address values are typically nonstatic. In
particular the To_Address function, even if applied to a literal value, is
a nonstatic function call. To avoid this minor annoyance, GNAT provides
the implementation defined attribute ‘To_Address. The following two
expressions have identical values:
@geindex Attribute
@geindex To_Address
@example
To_Address (16#1234_0000#)
System'To_Address (16#1234_0000#);
@end example
except that the second form is considered to be a static expression, and
thus when used as an address clause value is always permitted.
Additionally, GNAT treats as static an address clause that is an
unchecked_conversion of a static integer value. This simplifies the porting
of legacy code, and provides a portable equivalent to the GNAT attribute
@code{To_Address}.
Another issue with address clauses is the interaction with alignment
requirements. When an address clause is given for an object, the address
value must be consistent with the alignment of the object (which is usually
the same as the alignment of the type of the object). If an address clause
is given that specifies an inappropriately aligned address value, then the
program execution is erroneous.
Since this source of erroneous behavior can have unfortunate effects on
machines with strict alignment requirements, GNAT
checks (at compile time if possible, generating a warning, or at execution
time with a run-time check) that the alignment is appropriate. If the
run-time check fails, then @code{Program_Error} is raised. This run-time
check is suppressed if range checks are suppressed, or if the special GNAT
check Alignment_Check is suppressed, or if
@code{pragma Restrictions (No_Elaboration_Code)} is in effect. It is also
suppressed by default on non-strict alignment machines (such as the x86).
Finally, GNAT does not permit overlaying of objects of class-wide types. In
most cases, the compiler can detect an attempt at such overlays and will
generate a warning at compile time and a Program_Error exception at run time.
@geindex Export
An address clause cannot be given for an exported object. More
understandably the real restriction is that objects with an address
clause cannot be exported. This is because such variables are not
defined by the Ada program, so there is no external object to export.
@geindex Import
It is permissible to give an address clause and a pragma Import for the
same object. In this case, the variable is not really defined by the
Ada program, so there is no external symbol to be linked. The link name
and the external name are ignored in this case. The reason that we allow this
combination is that it provides a useful idiom to avoid unwanted
initializations on objects with address clauses.
When an address clause is given for an object that has implicit or
explicit initialization, then by default initialization takes place. This
means that the effect of the object declaration is to overwrite the
memory at the specified address. This is almost always not what the
programmer wants, so GNAT will output a warning:
@example
with System;
package G is
type R is record
M : Integer := 0;
end record;
Ext : R;
for Ext'Address use System'To_Address (16#1234_1234#);
|
>>> warning: implicit initialization of "Ext" may
modify overlaid storage
>>> warning: use pragma Import for "Ext" to suppress
initialization (RM B(24))
end G;
@end example
As indicated by the warning message, the solution is to use a (dummy) pragma
Import to suppress this initialization. The pragma tell the compiler that the
object is declared and initialized elsewhere. The following package compiles
without warnings (and the initialization is suppressed):
@example
with System;
package G is
type R is record
M : Integer := 0;
end record;
Ext : R;
for Ext'Address use System'To_Address (16#1234_1234#);
pragma Import (Ada, Ext);
end G;
@end example
A final issue with address clauses involves their use for overlaying
variables, as in the following example:
@geindex Overlaying of objects
@example
A : Integer;
B : Integer;
for B'Address use A'Address;
@end example
or alternatively, using the form recommended by the RM:
@example
A : Integer;
Addr : constant Address := A'Address;
B : Integer;
for B'Address use Addr;
@end example
In both of these cases, @code{A} and @code{B} become aliased to one another
via the address clause. This use of address clauses to overlay
variables, achieving an effect similar to unchecked conversion
was erroneous in Ada 83, but in Ada 95 and Ada 2005
the effect is implementation defined. Furthermore, the
Ada RM specifically recommends that in a situation
like this, @code{B} should be subject to the following
implementation advice (RM 13.3(19)):
@quotation
“19 If the Address of an object is specified, or it is imported
or exported, then the implementation should not perform
optimizations based on assumptions of no aliases.”
@end quotation
GNAT follows this recommendation, and goes further by also applying
this recommendation to the overlaid variable (@code{A} in the above example)
in this case. This means that the overlay works “as expected”, in that
a modification to one of the variables will affect the value of the other.
More generally, GNAT interprets this recommendation conservatively for
address clauses: in the cases other than overlays, it considers that the
object is effectively subject to pragma @code{Volatile} and implements the
associated semantics.
Note that when address clause overlays are used in this way, there is an
issue of unintentional initialization, as shown by this example:
@example
package Overwrite_Record is
type R is record
A : Character := 'C';
B : Character := 'A';
end record;
X : Short_Integer := 3;
Y : R;
for Y'Address use X'Address;
|
>>> warning: default initialization of "Y" may
modify "X", use pragma Import for "Y" to
suppress initialization (RM B.1(24))
end Overwrite_Record;
@end example
Here the default initialization of @code{Y} will clobber the value
of @code{X}, which justifies the warning. The warning notes that
this effect can be eliminated by adding a @code{pragma Import}
which suppresses the initialization:
@example
package Overwrite_Record is
type R is record
A : Character := 'C';
B : Character := 'A';
end record;
X : Short_Integer := 3;
Y : R;
for Y'Address use X'Address;
pragma Import (Ada, Y);
end Overwrite_Record;
@end example
Note that the use of @code{pragma Initialize_Scalars} may cause variables to
be initialized when they would not otherwise have been in the absence
of the use of this pragma. This may cause an overlay to have this
unintended clobbering effect. The compiler avoids this for scalar
types, but not for composite objects (where in general the effect
of @code{Initialize_Scalars} is part of the initialization routine
for the composite object):
@example
pragma Initialize_Scalars;
with Ada.Text_IO; use Ada.Text_IO;
procedure Overwrite_Array is
type Arr is array (1 .. 5) of Integer;
X : Arr := (others => 1);
A : Arr;
for A'Address use X'Address;
|
>>> warning: default initialization of "A" may
modify "X", use pragma Import for "A" to
suppress initialization (RM B.1(24))
begin
if X /= Arr'(others => 1) then
Put_Line ("X was clobbered");
else
Put_Line ("X was not clobbered");
end if;
end Overwrite_Array;
@end example
The above program generates the warning as shown, and at execution
time, prints @code{X was clobbered}. If the @code{pragma Import} is
added as suggested:
@example
pragma Initialize_Scalars;
with Ada.Text_IO; use Ada.Text_IO;
procedure Overwrite_Array is
type Arr is array (1 .. 5) of Integer;
X : Arr := (others => 1);
A : Arr;
for A'Address use X'Address;
pragma Import (Ada, A);
begin
if X /= Arr'(others => 1) then
Put_Line ("X was clobbered");
else
Put_Line ("X was not clobbered");
end if;
end Overwrite_Array;
@end example
then the program compiles without the warning and when run will generate
the output @code{X was not clobbered}.
@node Use of Address Clauses for Memory-Mapped I/O,Effect of Convention on Representation,Address Clauses,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id17}@anchor{296}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas use-of-address-clauses-for-memory-mapped-i-o}@anchor{297}
@section Use of Address Clauses for Memory-Mapped I/O
@geindex Memory-mapped I/O
A common pattern is to use an address clause to map an atomic variable to
a location in memory that corresponds to a memory-mapped I/O operation or
operations, for example:
@example
type Mem_Word is record
A,B,C,D : Byte;
end record;
pragma Atomic (Mem_Word);
for Mem_Word_Size use 32;
Mem : Mem_Word;
for Mem'Address use some-address;
...
Temp := Mem;
Temp.A := 32;
Mem := Temp;
@end example
For a full access (reference or modification) of the variable (Mem) in this
case, as in the above examples, GNAT guarantees that the entire atomic word
will be accessed, in accordance with the RM C.6(15) clause.
A problem arises with a component access such as:
@example
Mem.A := 32;
@end example
Note that the component A is not declared as atomic. This means that it is
not clear what this assignment means. It could correspond to full word read
and write as given in the first example, or on architectures that supported
such an operation it might be a single byte store instruction. The RM does
not have anything to say in this situation, and GNAT does not make any
guarantee. The code generated may vary from target to target. GNAT will issue
a warning in such a case:
@example
Mem.A := 32;
|
>>> warning: access to non-atomic component of atomic array,
may cause unexpected accesses to atomic object
@end example
It is best to be explicit in this situation, by either declaring the
components to be atomic if you want the byte store, or explicitly writing
the full word access sequence if that is what the hardware requires.
Alternatively, if the full word access sequence is required, GNAT also
provides the pragma @code{Volatile_Full_Access} which can be used in lieu of
pragma @code{Atomic} and will give the additional guarantee.
@node Effect of Convention on Representation,Conventions and Anonymous Access Types,Use of Address Clauses for Memory-Mapped I/O,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas effect-of-convention-on-representation}@anchor{298}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id18}@anchor{299}
@section Effect of Convention on Representation
@geindex Convention
@geindex effect on representation
Normally the specification of a foreign language convention for a type or
an object has no effect on the chosen representation. In particular, the
representation chosen for data in GNAT generally meets the standard system
conventions, and for example records are laid out in a manner that is
consistent with C. This means that specifying convention C (for example)
has no effect.
There are four exceptions to this general rule:
@itemize *
@item
@emph{Convention Fortran and array subtypes}.
If pragma Convention Fortran is specified for an array subtype, then in
accordance with the implementation advice in section 3.6.2(11) of the
Ada Reference Manual, the array will be stored in a Fortran-compatible
column-major manner, instead of the normal default row-major order.
@item
@emph{Convention C and enumeration types}
GNAT normally stores enumeration types in 8, 16, or 32 bits as required
to accommodate all values of the type. For example, for the enumeration
type declared by:
@example
type Color is (Red, Green, Blue);
@end example
8 bits is sufficient to store all values of the type, so by default, objects
of type @code{Color} will be represented using 8 bits. However, normal C
convention is to use 32 bits for all enum values in C, since enum values
are essentially of type int. If pragma @code{Convention C} is specified for an
Ada enumeration type, then the size is modified as necessary (usually to
32 bits) to be consistent with the C convention for enum values.
Note that this treatment applies only to types. If Convention C is given for
an enumeration object, where the enumeration type is not Convention C, then
Object_Size bits are allocated. For example, for a normal enumeration type,
with less than 256 elements, only 8 bits will be allocated for the object.
Since this may be a surprise in terms of what C expects, GNAT will issue a
warning in this situation. The warning can be suppressed by giving an explicit
size clause specifying the desired size.
@item
@emph{Convention C/Fortran and Boolean types}
In C, the usual convention for boolean values, that is values used for
conditions, is that zero represents false, and nonzero values represent
true. In Ada, the normal convention is that two specific values, typically
0/1, are used to represent false/true respectively.
Fortran has a similar convention for @code{LOGICAL} values (any nonzero
value represents true).
To accommodate the Fortran and C conventions, if a pragma Convention specifies
C or Fortran convention for a derived Boolean, as in the following example:
@example
type C_Switch is new Boolean;
pragma Convention (C, C_Switch);
@end example
then the GNAT generated code will treat any nonzero value as true. For truth
values generated by GNAT, the conventional value 1 will be used for True, but
when one of these values is read, any nonzero value is treated as True.
@end itemize
@node Conventions and Anonymous Access Types,Determining the Representations chosen by GNAT,Effect of Convention on Representation,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas conventions-and-anonymous-access-types}@anchor{29a}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id19}@anchor{29b}
@section Conventions and Anonymous Access Types
@geindex Anonymous access types
@geindex Convention for anonymous access types
The RM is not entirely clear on convention handling in a number of cases,
and in particular, it is not clear on the convention to be given to
anonymous access types in general, and in particular what is to be
done for the case of anonymous access-to-subprogram.
In GNAT, we decide that if an explicit Convention is applied
to an object or component, and its type is such an anonymous type,
then the convention will apply to this anonymous type as well. This
seems to make sense since it is anomolous in any case to have a
different convention for an object and its type, and there is clearly
no way to explicitly specify a convention for an anonymous type, since
it doesn’t have a name to specify!
Furthermore, we decide that if a convention is applied to a record type,
then this convention is inherited by any of its components that are of an
anonymous access type which do not have an explicitly specified convention.
The following program shows these conventions in action:
@example
package ConvComp is
type Foo is range 1 .. 10;
type T1 is record
A : access function (X : Foo) return Integer;
B : Integer;
end record;
pragma Convention (C, T1);
type T2 is record
A : access function (X : Foo) return Integer;
pragma Convention (C, A);
B : Integer;
end record;
pragma Convention (COBOL, T2);
type T3 is record
A : access function (X : Foo) return Integer;
pragma Convention (COBOL, A);
B : Integer;
end record;
pragma Convention (C, T3);
type T4 is record
A : access function (X : Foo) return Integer;
B : Integer;
end record;
pragma Convention (COBOL, T4);
function F (X : Foo) return Integer;
pragma Convention (C, F);
function F (X : Foo) return Integer is (13);
TV1 : T1 := (F'Access, 12); -- OK
TV2 : T2 := (F'Access, 13); -- OK
TV3 : T3 := (F'Access, 13); -- ERROR
|
>>> subprogram "F" has wrong convention
>>> does not match access to subprogram declared at line 17
38. TV4 : T4 := (F'Access, 13); -- ERROR
|
>>> subprogram "F" has wrong convention
>>> does not match access to subprogram declared at line 24
39. end ConvComp;
@end example
@node Determining the Representations chosen by GNAT,,Conventions and Anonymous Access Types,Representation Clauses and Pragmas
@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas determining-the-representations-chosen-by-gnat}@anchor{29c}@anchor{gnat_rm/representation_clauses_and_pragmas id20}@anchor{29d}
@section Determining the Representations chosen by GNAT
@geindex Representation
@geindex determination of
@geindex -gnatR (gcc)
Although the descriptions in this section are intended to be complete, it is
often easier to simply experiment to see what GNAT accepts and what the
effect is on the layout of types and objects.
As required by the Ada RM, if a representation clause is not accepted, then
it must be rejected as illegal by the compiler. However, when a
representation clause or pragma is accepted, there can still be questions
of what the compiler actually does. For example, if a partial record
representation clause specifies the location of some components and not
others, then where are the non-specified components placed? Or if pragma
@code{Pack} is used on a record, then exactly where are the resulting
fields placed? The section on pragma @code{Pack} in this chapter can be
used to answer the second question, but it is often easier to just see
what the compiler does.
For this purpose, GNAT provides the option @emph{-gnatR}. If you compile
with this option, then the compiler will output information on the actual
representations chosen, in a format similar to source representation
clauses. For example, if we compile the package:
@example
package q is
type r (x : boolean) is tagged record
case x is
when True => S : String (1 .. 100);
when False => null;
end case;
end record;
type r2 is new r (false) with record
y2 : integer;
end record;
for r2 use record
y2 at 16 range 0 .. 31;
end record;
type x is record
y : character;
end record;
type x1 is array (1 .. 10) of x;
for x1'component_size use 11;
type ia is access integer;
type Rb1 is array (1 .. 13) of Boolean;
pragma Pack (rb1);
type Rb2 is array (1 .. 65) of Boolean;
pragma Pack (rb2);
type x2 is record
l1 : Boolean;
l2 : Duration;
l3 : Float;
l4 : Boolean;
l5 : Rb1;
l6 : Rb2;
end record;
pragma Pack (x2);
end q;
@end example
using the switch @emph{-gnatR} we obtain the following output:
@example
Representation information for unit q
-------------------------------------
for r'Size use ??;
for r'Alignment use 4;
for r use record
x at 4 range 0 .. 7;
_tag at 0 range 0 .. 31;
s at 5 range 0 .. 799;
end record;
for r2'Size use 160;
for r2'Alignment use 4;
for r2 use record
x at 4 range 0 .. 7;
_tag at 0 range 0 .. 31;
_parent at 0 range 0 .. 63;
y2 at 16 range 0 .. 31;
end record;
for x'Size use 8;
for x'Alignment use 1;
for x use record
y at 0 range 0 .. 7;
end record;
for x1'Size use 112;
for x1'Alignment use 1;
for x1'Component_Size use 11;
for rb1'Size use 13;
for rb1'Alignment use 2;
for rb1'Component_Size use 1;
for rb2'Size use 72;
for rb2'Alignment use 1;
for rb2'Component_Size use 1;
for x2'Size use 224;
for x2'Alignment use 4;
for x2 use record
l1 at 0 range 0 .. 0;
l2 at 0 range 1 .. 64;
l3 at 12 range 0 .. 31;
l4 at 16 range 0 .. 0;
l5 at 16 range 1 .. 13;
l6 at 18 range 0 .. 71;
end record;
@end example
The Size values are actually the Object_Size, i.e., the default size that
will be allocated for objects of the type.
The @code{??} size for type r indicates that we have a variant record, and the
actual size of objects will depend on the discriminant value.
The Alignment values show the actual alignment chosen by the compiler
for each record or array type.
The record representation clause for type r shows where all fields
are placed, including the compiler generated tag field (whose location
cannot be controlled by the programmer).
The record representation clause for the type extension r2 shows all the
fields present, including the parent field, which is a copy of the fields
of the parent type of r2, i.e., r1.
The component size and size clauses for types rb1 and rb2 show
the exact effect of pragma @code{Pack} on these arrays, and the record
representation clause for type x2 shows how pragma @cite{Pack} affects
this record type.
In some cases, it may be useful to cut and paste the representation clauses
generated by the compiler into the original source to fix and guarantee
the actual representation to be used.
@node Standard Library Routines,The Implementation of Standard I/O,Representation Clauses and Pragmas,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_library_routines doc}@anchor{29e}@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_library_routines id1}@anchor{29f}@anchor{gnat_rm/standard_library_routines standard-library-routines}@anchor{e}
@chapter Standard Library Routines
The Ada Reference Manual contains in Annex A a full description of an
extensive set of standard library routines that can be used in any Ada
program, and which must be provided by all Ada compilers. They are
analogous to the standard C library used by C programs.
GNAT implements all of the facilities described in annex A, and for most
purposes the description in the Ada Reference Manual, or appropriate Ada
text book, will be sufficient for making use of these facilities.
In the case of the input-output facilities,
@ref{f,,The Implementation of Standard I/O},
gives details on exactly how GNAT interfaces to the
file system. For the remaining packages, the Ada Reference Manual
should be sufficient. The following is a list of the packages included,
together with a brief description of the functionality that is provided.
For completeness, references are included to other predefined library
routines defined in other sections of the Ada Reference Manual (these are
cross-indexed from Annex A). For further details see the relevant
package declarations in the run-time library. In particular, a few units
are not implemented, as marked by the presence of pragma Unimplemented_Unit,
and in this case the package declaration contains comments explaining why
the unit is not implemented.
@table @asis
@item @code{Ada} @emph{(A.2)}
This is a parent package for all the standard library packages. It is
usually included implicitly in your program, and itself contains no
useful data or routines.
@item @code{Ada.Assertions} @emph{(11.4.2)}
@code{Assertions} provides the @code{Assert} subprograms, and also
the declaration of the @code{Assertion_Error} exception.
@item @code{Ada.Asynchronous_Task_Control} @emph{(D.11)}
@code{Asynchronous_Task_Control} provides low level facilities for task
synchronization. It is typically not implemented. See package spec for details.
@item @code{Ada.Calendar} @emph{(9.6)}
@code{Calendar} provides time of day access, and routines for
manipulating times and durations.
@item @code{Ada.Calendar.Arithmetic} @emph{(9.6.1)}
This package provides additional arithmetic
operations for @code{Calendar}.
@item @code{Ada.Calendar.Formatting} @emph{(9.6.1)}
This package provides formatting operations for @code{Calendar}.
@item @code{Ada.Calendar.Time_Zones} @emph{(9.6.1)}
This package provides additional @code{Calendar} facilities
for handling time zones.
@item @code{Ada.Characters} @emph{(A.3.1)}
This is a dummy parent package that contains no useful entities
@item @code{Ada.Characters.Conversions} @emph{(A.3.2)}
This package provides character conversion functions.
@item @code{Ada.Characters.Handling} @emph{(A.3.2)}
This package provides some basic character handling capabilities,
including classification functions for classes of characters (e.g., test
for letters, or digits).
@item @code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1} @emph{(A.3.3)}
This package includes a complete set of definitions of the characters
that appear in type CHARACTER. It is useful for writing programs that
will run in international environments. For example, if you want an
upper case E with an acute accent in a string, it is often better to use
the definition of @code{UC_E_Acute} in this package. Then your program
will print in an understandable manner even if your environment does not
support these extended characters.
@item @code{Ada.Command_Line} @emph{(A.15)}
This package provides access to the command line parameters and the name
of the current program (analogous to the use of @code{argc} and @code{argv}
in C), and also allows the exit status for the program to be set in a
system-independent manner.
@item @code{Ada.Complex_Text_IO} @emph{(G.1.3)}
This package provides text input and output of complex numbers.
@item @code{Ada.Containers} @emph{(A.18.1)}
A top level package providing a few basic definitions used by all the
following specific child packages that provide specific kinds of
containers.
@end table
@code{Ada.Containers.Bounded_Priority_Queues} @emph{(A.18.31)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Bounded_Synchronized_Queues} @emph{(A.18.29)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Doubly_Linked_Lists} @emph{(A.18.3)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Generic_Array_Sort} @emph{(A.18.26)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Generic_Constrained_Array_Sort} @emph{(A.18.26)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Generic_Sort} @emph{(A.18.26)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Hashed_Maps} @emph{(A.18.5)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Hashed_Sets} @emph{(A.18.8)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Indefinite_Doubly_Linked_Lists} @emph{(A.18.12)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Indefinite_Hashed_Maps} @emph{(A.18.13)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Indefinite_Hashed_Sets} @emph{(A.18.15)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Indefinite_Holders} @emph{(A.18.18)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Indefinite_Multiway_Trees} @emph{(A.18.17)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Indefinite_Ordered_Maps} @emph{(A.18.14)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Indefinite_Ordered_Sets} @emph{(A.18.16)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Indefinite_Vectors} @emph{(A.18.11)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Multiway_Trees} @emph{(A.18.10)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Ordered_Maps} @emph{(A.18.6)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Ordered_Sets} @emph{(A.18.9)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Synchronized_Queue_Interfaces} @emph{(A.18.27)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Unbounded_Priority_Queues} @emph{(A.18.30)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Unbounded_Synchronized_Queues} @emph{(A.18.28)}
@code{Ada.Containers.Vectors} @emph{(A.18.2)}
@table @asis
@item @code{Ada.Directories} @emph{(A.16)}
This package provides operations on directories.
@item @code{Ada.Directories.Hierarchical_File_Names} @emph{(A.16.1)}
This package provides additional directory operations handling
hiearchical file names.
@item @code{Ada.Directories.Information} @emph{(A.16)}
This is an implementation defined package for additional directory
operations, which is not implemented in GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.Decimal} @emph{(F.2)}
This package provides constants describing the range of decimal numbers
implemented, and also a decimal divide routine (analogous to the COBOL
verb DIVIDE … GIVING … REMAINDER …)
@item @code{Ada.Direct_IO} @emph{(A.8.4)}
This package provides input-output using a model of a set of records of
fixed-length, containing an arbitrary definite Ada type, indexed by an
integer record number.
@item @code{Ada.Dispatching} @emph{(D.2.1)}
A parent package containing definitions for task dispatching operations.
@item @code{Ada.Dispatching.EDF} @emph{(D.2.6)}
Not implemented in GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.Dispatching.Non_Preemptive} @emph{(D.2.4)}
Not implemented in GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.Dispatching.Round_Robin} @emph{(D.2.5)}
Not implemented in GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.Dynamic_Priorities} @emph{(D.5)}
This package allows the priorities of a task to be adjusted dynamically
as the task is running.
@item @code{Ada.Environment_Variables} @emph{(A.17)}
This package provides facilities for accessing environment variables.
@item @code{Ada.Exceptions} @emph{(11.4.1)}
This package provides additional information on exceptions, and also
contains facilities for treating exceptions as data objects, and raising
exceptions with associated messages.
@item @code{Ada.Execution_Time} @emph{(D.14)}
This package provides CPU clock functionalities. It is not implemented on
all targets (see package spec for details).
@item @code{Ada.Execution_Time.Group_Budgets} @emph{(D.14.2)}
Not implemented in GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.Execution_Time.Timers} @emph{(D.14.1)’}
Not implemented in GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.Finalization} @emph{(7.6)}
This package contains the declarations and subprograms to support the
use of controlled types, providing for automatic initialization and
finalization (analogous to the constructors and destructors of C++).
@item @code{Ada.Float_Text_IO} @emph{(A.10.9)}
A library level instantiation of Text_IO.Float_IO for type Float.
@item @code{Ada.Float_Wide_Text_IO} @emph{(A.10.9)}
A library level instantiation of Wide_Text_IO.Float_IO for type Float.
@item @code{Ada.Float_Wide_Wide_Text_IO} @emph{(A.10.9)}
A library level instantiation of Wide_Wide_Text_IO.Float_IO for type Float.
@item @code{Ada.Integer_Text_IO} @emph{(A.10.9)}
A library level instantiation of Text_IO.Integer_IO for type Integer.
@item @code{Ada.Integer_Wide_Text_IO} @emph{(A.10.9)}
A library level instantiation of Wide_Text_IO.Integer_IO for type Integer.
@item @code{Ada.Integer_Wide_Wide_Text_IO} @emph{(A.10.9)}
A library level instantiation of Wide_Wide_Text_IO.Integer_IO for type Integer.
@item @code{Ada.Interrupts} @emph{(C.3.2)}
This package provides facilities for interfacing to interrupts, which
includes the set of signals or conditions that can be raised and
recognized as interrupts.
@item @code{Ada.Interrupts.Names} @emph{(C.3.2)}
This package provides the set of interrupt names (actually signal
or condition names) that can be handled by GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.IO_Exceptions} @emph{(A.13)}
This package defines the set of exceptions that can be raised by use of
the standard IO packages.
@item @code{Ada.Iterator_Interfaces} @emph{(5.5.1)}
This package provides a generic interface to generalized iterators.
@item @code{Ada.Locales} @emph{(A.19)}
This package provides declarations providing information (Language
and Country) about the current locale.
@item @code{Ada.Numerics}
This package contains some standard constants and exceptions used
throughout the numerics packages. Note that the constants pi and e are
defined here, and it is better to use these definitions than rolling
your own.
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Complex_Arrays} @emph{(G.3.2)}
Provides operations on arrays of complex numbers.
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Complex_Elementary_Functions}
Provides the implementation of standard elementary functions (such as
log and trigonometric functions) operating on complex numbers using the
standard @code{Float} and the @code{Complex} and @code{Imaginary} types
created by the package @code{Numerics.Complex_Types}.
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Complex_Types}
This is a predefined instantiation of
@code{Numerics.Generic_Complex_Types} using @code{Standard.Float} to
build the type @code{Complex} and @code{Imaginary}.
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Discrete_Random}
This generic package provides a random number generator suitable for generating
uniformly distributed values of a specified discrete subtype.
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Float_Random}
This package provides a random number generator suitable for generating
uniformly distributed floating point values in the unit interval.
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Generic_Complex_Elementary_Functions}
This is a generic version of the package that provides the
implementation of standard elementary functions (such as log and
trigonometric functions) for an arbitrary complex type.
The following predefined instantiations of this package are provided:
@itemize *
@item
@code{Short_Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Short_Complex_Elementary_Functions}
@item
@code{Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Complex_Elementary_Functions}
@item
@code{Long_Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Long_Complex_Elementary_Functions}
@end itemize
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Generic_Complex_Types}
This is a generic package that allows the creation of complex types,
with associated complex arithmetic operations.
The following predefined instantiations of this package exist
@itemize *
@item
@code{Short_Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Short_Complex_Complex_Types}
@item
@code{Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Complex_Complex_Types}
@item
@code{Long_Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Long_Complex_Complex_Types}
@end itemize
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Generic_Elementary_Functions}
This is a generic package that provides the implementation of standard
elementary functions (such as log an trigonometric functions) for an
arbitrary float type.
The following predefined instantiations of this package exist
@itemize *
@item
@code{Short_Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Short_Elementary_Functions}
@item
@code{Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Elementary_Functions}
@item
@code{Long_Float}
@code{Ada.Numerics.Long_Elementary_Functions}
@end itemize
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Generic_Real_Arrays} @emph{(G.3.1)}
Generic operations on arrays of reals
@item @code{Ada.Numerics.Real_Arrays} @emph{(G.3.1)}
Preinstantiation of Ada.Numerics.Generic_Real_Arrays (Float).
@item @code{Ada.Real_Time} @emph{(D.8)}
This package provides facilities similar to those of @code{Calendar}, but
operating with a finer clock suitable for real time control. Note that
annex D requires that there be no backward clock jumps, and GNAT generally
guarantees this behavior, but of course if the external clock on which
the GNAT runtime depends is deliberately reset by some external event,
then such a backward jump may occur.
@item @code{Ada.Real_Time.Timing_Events} @emph{(D.15)}
Not implemented in GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.Sequential_IO} @emph{(A.8.1)}
This package provides input-output facilities for sequential files,
which can contain a sequence of values of a single type, which can be
any Ada type, including indefinite (unconstrained) types.
@item @code{Ada.Storage_IO} @emph{(A.9)}
This package provides a facility for mapping arbitrary Ada types to and
from a storage buffer. It is primarily intended for the creation of new
IO packages.
@item @code{Ada.Streams} @emph{(13.13.1)}
This is a generic package that provides the basic support for the
concept of streams as used by the stream attributes (@code{Input},
@code{Output}, @code{Read} and @code{Write}).
@item @code{Ada.Streams.Stream_IO} @emph{(A.12.1)}
This package is a specialization of the type @code{Streams} defined in
package @code{Streams} together with a set of operations providing
Stream_IO capability. The Stream_IO model permits both random and
sequential access to a file which can contain an arbitrary set of values
of one or more Ada types.
@item @code{Ada.Strings} @emph{(A.4.1)}
This package provides some basic constants used by the string handling
packages.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Bounded} @emph{(A.4.4)}
This package provides facilities for handling variable length
strings. The bounded model requires a maximum length. It is thus
somewhat more limited than the unbounded model, but avoids the use of
dynamic allocation or finalization.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Bounded.Equal_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.10)}
Provides case-insensitive comparisons of bounded strings
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Bounded.Hash} @emph{(A.4.9)}
This package provides a generic hash function for bounded strings
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Bounded.Hash_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.9)}
This package provides a generic hash function for bounded strings that
converts the string to be hashed to lower case.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Bounded.Less_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.10)}
This package provides a comparison function for bounded strings that works
in a case insensitive manner by converting to lower case before the comparison.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Fixed} @emph{(A.4.3)}
This package provides facilities for handling fixed length strings.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Fixed.Equal_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.10)}
This package provides an equality function for fixed strings that compares
the strings after converting both to lower case.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Fixed.Hash_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.9)}
This package provides a case insensitive hash function for fixed strings that
converts the string to lower case before computing the hash.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Fixed.Less_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.10)}
This package provides a comparison function for fixed strings that works
in a case insensitive manner by converting to lower case before the comparison.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Hash} @emph{(A.4.9)}
This package provides a hash function for strings.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Hash_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.9)}
This package provides a hash function for strings that is case insensitive.
The string is converted to lower case before computing the hash.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Less_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.10)}
This package provides a comparison function for\strings that works
in a case insensitive manner by converting to lower case before the comparison.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Maps} @emph{(A.4.2)}
This package provides facilities for handling character mappings and
arbitrarily defined subsets of characters. For instance it is useful in
defining specialized translation tables.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Maps.Constants} @emph{(A.4.6)}
This package provides a standard set of predefined mappings and
predefined character sets. For example, the standard upper to lower case
conversion table is found in this package. Note that upper to lower case
conversion is non-trivial if you want to take the entire set of
characters, including extended characters like E with an acute accent,
into account. You should use the mappings in this package (rather than
adding 32 yourself) to do case mappings.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Unbounded} @emph{(A.4.5)}
This package provides facilities for handling variable length
strings. The unbounded model allows arbitrary length strings, but
requires the use of dynamic allocation and finalization.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Unbounded.Equal_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.10)}
Provides case-insensitive comparisons of unbounded strings
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Unbounded.Hash} @emph{(A.4.9)}
This package provides a generic hash function for unbounded strings
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Unbounded.Hash_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.9)}
This package provides a generic hash function for unbounded strings that
converts the string to be hashed to lower case.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Unbounded.Less_Case_Insensitive} @emph{(A.4.10)}
This package provides a comparison function for unbounded strings that works
in a case insensitive manner by converting to lower case before the comparison.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.UTF_Encoding} @emph{(A.4.11)}
This package provides basic definitions for dealing with UTF-encoded strings.
@item @code{Ada.Strings.UTF_Encoding.Conversions} @emph{(A.4.11)}
This package provides conversion functions for UTF-encoded strings.
@end table
@code{Ada.Strings.UTF_Encoding.Strings} @emph{(A.4.11)}
@code{Ada.Strings.UTF_Encoding.Wide_Strings} @emph{(A.4.11)}
@table @asis
@item @code{Ada.Strings.UTF_Encoding.Wide_Wide_Strings} @emph{(A.4.11)}
These packages provide facilities for handling UTF encodings for
Strings, Wide_Strings and Wide_Wide_Strings.
@end table
@code{Ada.Strings.Wide_Bounded} @emph{(A.4.7)}
@code{Ada.Strings.Wide_Fixed} @emph{(A.4.7)}
@code{Ada.Strings.Wide_Maps} @emph{(A.4.7)}
@table @asis
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Wide_Unbounded} @emph{(A.4.7)}
These packages provide analogous capabilities to the corresponding
packages without @code{Wide_} in the name, but operate with the types
@code{Wide_String} and @code{Wide_Character} instead of @code{String}
and @code{Character}. Versions of all the child packages are available.
@end table
@code{Ada.Strings.Wide_Wide_Bounded} @emph{(A.4.7)}
@code{Ada.Strings.Wide_Wide_Fixed} @emph{(A.4.7)}
@code{Ada.Strings.Wide_Wide_Maps} @emph{(A.4.7)}
@table @asis
@item @code{Ada.Strings.Wide_Wide_Unbounded} @emph{(A.4.7)}
These packages provide analogous capabilities to the corresponding
packages without @code{Wide_} in the name, but operate with the types
@code{Wide_Wide_String} and @code{Wide_Wide_Character} instead
of @code{String} and @code{Character}.
@item @code{Ada.Synchronous_Barriers} @emph{(D.10.1)}
This package provides facilities for synchronizing tasks at a low level
with barriers.
@item @code{Ada.Synchronous_Task_Control} @emph{(D.10)}
This package provides some standard facilities for controlling task
communication in a synchronous manner.
@item @code{Ada.Synchronous_Task_Control.EDF} @emph{(D.10)}
Not implemented in GNAT.
@item @code{Ada.Tags}
This package contains definitions for manipulation of the tags of tagged
values.
@item @code{Ada.Tags.Generic_Dispatching_Constructor} @emph{(3.9)}
This package provides a way of constructing tagged class-wide values given
only the tag value.
@item @code{Ada.Task_Attributes} @emph{(C.7.2)}
This package provides the capability of associating arbitrary
task-specific data with separate tasks.
@item @code{Ada.Task_Identifification} @emph{(C.7.1)}
This package provides capabilities for task identification.
@item @code{Ada.Task_Termination} @emph{(C.7.3)}
This package provides control over task termination.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO}
This package provides basic text input-output capabilities for
character, string and numeric data. The subpackages of this
package are listed next. Note that although these are defined
as subpackages in the RM, they are actually transparently
implemented as child packages in GNAT, meaning that they
are only loaded if needed.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Decimal_IO}
Provides input-output facilities for decimal fixed-point types
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Enumeration_IO}
Provides input-output facilities for enumeration types.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Fixed_IO}
Provides input-output facilities for ordinary fixed-point types.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Float_IO}
Provides input-output facilities for float types. The following
predefined instantiations of this generic package are available:
@itemize *
@item
@code{Short_Float}
@code{Short_Float_Text_IO}
@item
@code{Float}
@code{Float_Text_IO}
@item
@code{Long_Float}
@code{Long_Float_Text_IO}
@end itemize
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Integer_IO}
Provides input-output facilities for integer types. The following
predefined instantiations of this generic package are available:
@itemize *
@item
@code{Short_Short_Integer}
@code{Ada.Short_Short_Integer_Text_IO}
@item
@code{Short_Integer}
@code{Ada.Short_Integer_Text_IO}
@item
@code{Integer}
@code{Ada.Integer_Text_IO}
@item
@code{Long_Integer}
@code{Ada.Long_Integer_Text_IO}
@item
@code{Long_Long_Integer}
@code{Ada.Long_Long_Integer_Text_IO}
@end itemize
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Modular_IO}
Provides input-output facilities for modular (unsigned) types.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Bounded_IO (A.10.11)}
Provides input-output facilities for bounded strings.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Complex_IO (G.1.3)}
This package provides basic text input-output capabilities for complex
data.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Editing (F.3.3)}
This package contains routines for edited output, analogous to the use
of pictures in COBOL. The picture formats used by this package are a
close copy of the facility in COBOL.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Text_Streams (A.12.2)}
This package provides a facility that allows Text_IO files to be treated
as streams, so that the stream attributes can be used for writing
arbitrary data, including binary data, to Text_IO files.
@item @code{Ada.Text_IO.Unbounded_IO (A.10.12)}
This package provides input-output facilities for unbounded strings.
@item @code{Ada.Unchecked_Conversion (13.9)}
This generic package allows arbitrary conversion from one type to
another of the same size, providing for breaking the type safety in
special circumstances.
If the types have the same Size (more accurately the same Value_Size),
then the effect is simply to transfer the bits from the source to the
target type without any modification. This usage is well defined, and
for simple types whose representation is typically the same across
all implementations, gives a portable method of performing such
conversions.
If the types do not have the same size, then the result is implementation
defined, and thus may be non-portable. The following describes how GNAT
handles such unchecked conversion cases.
If the types are of different sizes, and are both discrete types, then
the effect is of a normal type conversion without any constraint checking.
In particular if the result type has a larger size, the result will be
zero or sign extended. If the result type has a smaller size, the result
will be truncated by ignoring high order bits.
If the types are of different sizes, and are not both discrete types,
then the conversion works as though pointers were created to the source
and target, and the pointer value is converted. The effect is that bits
are copied from successive low order storage units and bits of the source
up to the length of the target type.
A warning is issued if the lengths differ, since the effect in this
case is implementation dependent, and the above behavior may not match
that of some other compiler.
A pointer to one type may be converted to a pointer to another type using
unchecked conversion. The only case in which the effect is undefined is
when one or both pointers are pointers to unconstrained array types. In
this case, the bounds information may get incorrectly transferred, and in
particular, GNAT uses double size pointers for such types, and it is
meaningless to convert between such pointer types. GNAT will issue a
warning if the alignment of the target designated type is more strict
than the alignment of the source designated type (since the result may
be unaligned in this case).
A pointer other than a pointer to an unconstrained array type may be
converted to and from System.Address. Such usage is common in Ada 83
programs, but note that Ada.Address_To_Access_Conversions is the
preferred method of performing such conversions in Ada 95 and Ada 2005.
Neither
unchecked conversion nor Ada.Address_To_Access_Conversions should be
used in conjunction with pointers to unconstrained objects, since
the bounds information cannot be handled correctly in this case.
@item @code{Ada.Unchecked_Deallocation} @emph{(13.11.2)}
This generic package allows explicit freeing of storage previously
allocated by use of an allocator.
@item @code{Ada.Wide_Text_IO} @emph{(A.11)}
This package is similar to @code{Ada.Text_IO}, except that the external
file supports wide character representations, and the internal types are
@code{Wide_Character} and @code{Wide_String} instead of @code{Character}
and @code{String}. The corresponding set of nested packages and child
packages are defined.
@item @code{Ada.Wide_Wide_Text_IO} @emph{(A.11)}
This package is similar to @code{Ada.Text_IO}, except that the external
file supports wide character representations, and the internal types are
@code{Wide_Character} and @code{Wide_String} instead of @code{Character}
and @code{String}. The corresponding set of nested packages and child
packages are defined.
@end table
For packages in Interfaces and System, all the RM defined packages are
available in GNAT, see the Ada 2012 RM for full details.
@node The Implementation of Standard I/O,The GNAT Library,Standard Library Routines,Top
@anchor{gnat_rm/the_implementation_of_standard_i_o doc}@anchor{2a0}@anchor{gnat_rm/the_implementation_of_standard_i_o id1}@anchor{2a1}@anchor{gnat_rm/the_implementation_of_standard_i_o the-implementation-of-standard-i-o}@anchor{f}
@chapter The Implementation of Standard I/O
GNAT implements all the required input-output facilities described in
A.6 through A.14. These sections of the Ada Reference Manual describe the
required behavior of these packages from the Ada point of view, and if
you are writing a portable Ada program that does not need to know the
exact manner in which Ada maps to the outside world when it comes to
reading or writing external files, then you do not need to read this
chapter. As long as your files are all regular files (not pipes or
devices), and as long as you write and read the files only from Ada, the
description in the Ada Reference Manual is sufficient.
However, if you want to do input-output to pipes or other devices, such
as the keyboard or screen, or if the files you are dealing with are
either generated by some other language, or to be read by some other
language, then you need to know more about the details of how the GNAT
implementation of these input-output facilities behaves.
In this chapter we give a detailed description of exactly how GNAT
interfaces to the file system. As always, the sources of the system are
available to you for answering questions at an even more detailed level,
but for most purposes the information in this chapter will suffice.
Another reason that you may need to know more about how input-output is
implemented arises when you have a program written in mixed languages
where, for example, files are shared between the C and Ada sections of
the same program. GNAT provides some additional facilities, in the form
of additional child library packages, that facilitate this sharing, and
these additional facilities are also described in this chapter.
@menu
* Standard I/O Packages::
* FORM Strings::
* Direct_IO::
* Sequential_IO::
* Text_IO::
* Wide_Text_IO::
* Wide_Wide_Text_IO::
* Stream_IO::
* Text Translation::
* Shared Files::
* Filenames encoding::
* File content encoding::
* Open Modes::
* Operations on C Streams::
* Interfacing to C Streams::
@end menu
@node Standard I/O Packages,FORM Strings,,The Implementation of Standard I/O
@anchor{gnat_rm/the_implementation_of_standard_i_o id2}@anchor{2a2}@anchor{gnat_rm/the_implementation_of_standard_i_o standard-i-o-packages}@anchor{2a3}
@section Standard I/O Packages
The Standard I/O packages described in Annex A for
@itemize *
@item
Ada.Text_IO
@item
Ada.Text_IO.Complex_IO
@item
Ada.Text_IO.Text_Streams
@item
Ada.Wide_Text_IO