Using Ada as the first programming language: a retrospective

In 1989 the Computer Science Department at Swinburne selected Ada (83) as the first and main programming language for its principal undergraduate degree. Two full student cohorts from the degree have now graduated, and the department, now the School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, is commencing a major overhaul of its undergraduate degree programs. As part of the review, the choice of programming language is, as usual, a central issue. To make an informed decision, it is important that the 1989 decision in favour of Ada be reviewed. We look retrospectively at that decision. We conclude that it was not only correct, but of fundamental importance in securing the success of the degree. As a caution against simply retaining Ada because of its past success, we note that the previous decision was taken within a particular context, and in planning for Computer Science and Software Engineering education in the year 2000, the context has shifted to some extent.