1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @setfilename ../../info/ada-mode
6 Copyright @copyright{} 1999-2012 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
10 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
11 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no
12 Invariant Sections, with the Front-Cover texts being ``A GNU Manual'',
13 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below. A copy of the license
14 is included in the section entitled ``GNU Free Documentation License''.
16 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You have the freedom to copy and
17 modify this GNU manual. Buying copies from the FSF supports it in
18 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
22 @dircategory Emacs editing modes
24 * Ada mode: (ada-mode). Emacs mode for editing and compiling Ada code.
31 @subtitle An Emacs major mode for programming in Ada
32 @subtitle Ada Mode Version 4.00
35 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
41 @node Top, Overview, (dir), (dir)
50 * Installation:: Installing Ada mode on your system
51 * Customization:: Setting up Ada mode to your taste
52 * Compiling Executing:: Working with your application within Emacs
53 * Project files:: Describing the organization of your project
54 * Compiling Examples:: A small tutorial
55 * Moving Through Ada Code:: Moving easily through Ada sources
56 * Identifier completion:: Finishing words automatically
57 * Automatic Smart Indentation:: Indenting your code automatically as you type
58 * Formatting Parameter Lists:: Formatting subprograms' parameter lists
60 * Automatic Casing:: Adjusting the case of words automatically
61 * Statement Templates:: Inserting code templates
62 * Comment Handling:: Reformatting comments easily
63 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation.
68 @node Overview, Installation, Top, Top
71 The Emacs mode for programming in Ada helps the user in understanding
72 existing code and facilitates writing new code.
74 When the Gnu Ada compiler GNAT is used, the cross-reference
75 information output by the compiler is used to provide powerful code
76 navigation (jump to definition, find all uses, etc).
78 When you open a file with a file extension of @file{.ads} or
79 @file{.adb}, Emacs will automatically load and activate Ada mode.
81 Ada mode works without any customization, if you are using the GNAT
82 compiler (@url{https://libre2.adacore.com/}) and the GNAT default
85 You must customize a few things if you are using a different compiler
86 or file naming convention; @xref{Other compiler}, @xref{Non-standard
89 In addition, you may want to customize the indentation,
90 capitalization, and other things; @xref{Other customization}.
92 Finally, for large Ada projects, you will want to set up an Emacs
93 Ada mode project file for each project; @xref{Project files}. Note
94 that these are different from the GNAT project files used by gnatmake
95 and other GNAT commands.
97 See the Emacs info manual, section 'Running Debuggers Under Emacs',
98 for general information on debugging.
100 @node Installation, Customization, Overview, Top
101 @chapter Installation
103 Ada mode is part of the standard Emacs distribution; if you use that,
104 no files need to be installed.
106 Ada mode is also available as a separate distribution, from the Emacs
108 @uref{http://stephe-leake.org/emacs/ada-mode/emacs-ada-mode.html}. The
109 separate distribution may be more recent.
111 For installing the separate distribution, see the @file{README} file
114 To see what version of Ada mode you have installed, do @kbd{M-x
117 The following files are provided with the Ada mode distribution:
122 @file{ada-mode.el}: The main file for Ada mode, providing indentation,
123 formatting of parameter lists, moving through code, comment handling
124 and automatic casing.
127 @file{ada-prj.el}: GUI editing of Ada mode project files, using Emacs
131 @file{ada-stmt.el}: Ada statement templates.
134 @file{ada-xref.el}: GNAT cross-references, completion of identifiers,
135 and compilation. Also provides project files (which are not
140 @node Customization, Compiling Executing, Installation, Top
141 @chapter Customizing Ada mode
143 Here we assume you are familiar with setting variables in Emacs,
144 either thru 'customize' or in elisp (in your @file{.emacs} file). For
145 a basic introduction to customize, elisp, and Emacs in general, see
148 @cite{The GNU Emacs Manual}.
151 @cite{The GNU Emacs Manual}.
154 @ref{Top, , The GNU Emacs Manual, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}.
157 These global Emacs settings are strongly recommended (put them in your
161 (global-font-lock-mode t)
162 (transient-mark-mode t)
165 @samp{(global-font-lock-mode t)} turns on syntax
166 highlighting for all buffers (it is off by default because it may be
167 too slow for some machines).
169 @samp{(transient-mark-mode t)} highlights selected text.
171 See the Emacs help for each of these variables for more information.
174 * Non-standard file names::
176 * Other customization::
179 @node Non-standard file names, Other compiler, Customization, Customization
180 @section Non-standard file names
182 By default, Ada mode is configured to use the GNAT file naming
183 convention, where file names are a simple modification of the Ada
184 names, and the extension for specs and bodies are
185 @samp{.ads} and @samp{.adb}, respectively.
187 Ada mode uses the file extensions to allow moving from a package body
188 to the corresponding spec and back.
190 Ada mode supports a list of alternative file extensions for specs and bodies.
192 For instance, if your spec and bodies files are called
193 @file{@var{unit}_s.ada} and @file{@var{unit}_b.ada}, respectively, you
194 can add the following to your @file{.emacs} file:
197 (ada-add-extensions "_s.ada" "_b.ada")
200 You can define additional extensions:
203 (ada-add-extensions ".ads" "_b.ada")
204 (ada-add-extensions ".ads" ".body")
207 This means that whenever Ada mode looks for the body for a file
208 whose extension is @file{.ads}, it will take the first available file
209 that ends with either @file{.adb}, @file{_b.ada} or
212 Similarly, if Ada mode is looking for a spec, it will look for
213 @file{.ads} or @file{_s.ada}.
215 If the filename is not derived from the Ada name following the GNAT
216 convention, things are a little more complicated. You then need to
217 rewrite the function @code{ada-make-filename-from-adaname}. Doing that
218 is beyond the scope of this manual; see the current definitions in
219 @file{ada-mode.el} and @file{ada-xref.el} for examples.
221 @node Other compiler, Other customization, Non-standard file names, Customization
222 @section Other compiler
224 By default, Ada mode is configured to use the Gnu Ada compiler GNAT.
226 To use a different Ada compiler, you must specify the command lines
227 used to run that compiler, either in lisp variables or in Emacs
228 Ada mode project files. See @ref{Project file variables} for the list
229 of project variables, and the corresponding lisp variables.
231 @node Other customization, , Other compiler, Customization
232 @section Other customization
234 All user-settable Ada mode variables can be set via the menu
235 @samp{Ada | Customize}. Click on the @samp{Help} button there for help
238 To modify a specific variable, you can directly call the function
239 @code{customize-variable}; just type @kbd{M-x customize-variable
240 @key{RET} @var{variable-name} @key{RET}}).
242 Alternately, you can specify variable settings in the Emacs
243 configuration file, @file{.emacs}. This file is coded in Emacs lisp,
244 and the syntax to set a variable is the following:
246 (setq variable-name value)
249 @node Compiling Executing, Project files, Customization, Top
250 @chapter Compiling Executing
252 Ada projects can be compiled, linked, and executed using commands on
253 the Ada menu. All of these commands can be customized via a project
254 file (@pxref{Project files}), but the defaults are sufficient for using
255 the GNAT compiler for simple projects (single files, or several files
256 in a single directory).
258 Even when no project file is used, the GUI project editor (menu
259 @samp{Ada | Project | Edit}) shows the settings of the various project
260 file variables referenced here.
267 @node Compile commands, Compiler errors, Compiling Executing, Compiling Executing
268 @section Compile commands
270 Here are the commands for building and using an Ada project, as
271 listed in the Ada menu.
273 In multi-file projects, there must be one file that is the main
274 program. That is given by the @code{main} project file variable;
275 it defaults to the current file if not yet set, but is also set by the
276 ``set main and build'' command.
281 Compiles the current file in syntax check mode, by running
282 @code{check_cmd} defined in the current project file. This typically
283 runs faster than full compile mode, speeding up finding and fixing
286 This sets @code{main} only if it has not been set yet.
289 Compiles the current file, by running @code{comp_cmd} from the current
292 This does not set @code{main}.
294 @item Set main and Build
295 Sets @code{main} to the current file, then executes the Build
299 Display @code{main} in the message buffer.
302 Compiles all obsolete units of the current @code{main}, and links
303 @code{main}, by running @code{make_cmd} from the current project.
305 This sets @code{main} only if it has not been set yet.
308 Executes the main program in a shell, displayed in a separate Emacs
309 buffer. This runs @code{run_cmd} from the current project. The
310 execution buffer allows for interactive input/output.
312 To modify the run command, in particular to provide or change the
313 command line arguments, type @kbd{C-u} before invoking the command.
315 This command is not available for a cross-compilation toolchain.
318 It is important when using these commands to understand how
319 @code{main} is used and changed.
321 Build runs 'gnatmake' on the main unit. During a typical edit/compile
322 session, this is the only command you need to invoke, which is why it
323 is bound to @kbd{C-c C-c}. It will compile all files needed by the
324 main unit, and display compilation errors in any of them.
326 Note that Build can be invoked from any Ada buffer; typically you will
327 be fixing errors in files other than the main, but you don't have to
328 switch back to the main to invoke the compiler again.
330 Novices and students typically work on single-file Ada projects. In
331 this case, @kbd{C-c C-m} will normally be the only command needed; it
332 will build the current file, rather than the last-built main.
334 There are three ways to change @code{main}:
338 Invoke @samp{Ada | Set main and Build}, which sets @code{main} to
342 Invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Edit}, edit @code{main} and
343 @code{main}, and click @samp{[save]}
346 Invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Load}, and load a project file that specifies @code{main}
350 @node Compiler errors, , Compile commands, Compiling Executing
351 @section Compiler errors
353 The @code{Check file}, @code{Compile file}, and @code{Build} commands
354 all place compilation errors in a separate buffer named
355 @code{*compilation*}.
357 Each line in this buffer will become active: you can simply click on
358 it with the middle button of the mouse, or move point to it and press
359 @key{RET}. Emacs will then display the relevant source file and put
360 point on the line and column where the error was found.
362 You can also press the @kbd{C-x `} key (@code{next-error}), and Emacs
363 will jump to the first error. If you press that key again, it will
364 move you to the second error, and so on.
366 Some error messages might also include references to other files. These
367 references are also clickable in the same way, or put point after the
368 line number and press @key{RET}.
370 @node Project files, Compiling Examples, Compiling Executing, Top
371 @chapter Project files
373 An Emacs Ada mode project file specifies what directories hold sources
374 for your project, and allows you to customize the compilation commands
375 and other things on a per-project basis.
377 Note that Ada mode project files @samp{*.adp} are different than GNAT
378 compiler project files @samp{*.gpr}. However, Emacs Ada mode can use a
379 GNAT project file to specify the project directories. If no
380 other customization is needed, a GNAT project file can be used without
381 an Emacs Ada mode project file.
384 * Project File Overview::
386 * Project file variables::
389 @node Project File Overview, GUI Editor, Project files, Project files
390 @section Project File Overview
392 Project files have a simple syntax; they may be edited directly. Each
393 line specifies a project variable name and its value, separated by ``='':
395 src_dir=/Projects/my_project/src_1
396 src_dir=/Projects/my_project/src_2
399 Some variables (like @code{src_dir}) are lists; multiple occurrences
402 There must be no space between the variable name and ``='', and no
405 Alternately, a GUI editor for project files is available (@pxref{GUI
406 Editor}). It uses Emacs widgets, similar to Emacs customize.
408 The GUI editor also provides a convenient way to view current project
409 settings, if they have been modified using menu commands rather than
410 by editing the project file.
412 After the first Ada mode build command is invoked, there is always a
413 current project file, given by the lisp variable
414 @code{ada-prj-default-project-file}. Currently, the only way to show
415 the current project file is to invoke the GUI editor.
417 To find the project file the first time, Ada mode uses the following
422 If @code{ada-prj-default-project-file} is set, use that.
425 Otherwise, search for a file in the current directory with
426 the same base name as the Ada file, but extension given by
427 @code{ada-prj-file-extension} (default @code{".adp"}).
430 If not found, search for @file{*.adp} in the current directory; if
431 several are found, prompt the user to select one.
434 If none are found, use @file{default.adp} in the current directory (even
435 if it does not exist).
439 This algorithm always sets @code{ada-prj-default-project-file}, even
440 when the file does not actually exist.
442 To change the project file before or after the first one is found,
443 invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Load ...}.
445 Or, in lisp, evaluate @code{(ada-set-default-project-file "/path/file.adp")}.
446 This sets @code{ada-prj-default-project-file}, and reads the project file.
448 You can also specify a GNAT project file to @samp{Ada | Project | Load
449 ...} or @code{ada-set-default-project-file}. Emacs Ada mode checks the
450 file extension; if it is @code{.gpr}, the file is treated as a GNAT
451 project file. Any other extension is treated as an Emacs Ada mode
454 @node GUI Editor, Project file variables, Project File Overview, Project files
457 The project file editor is invoked with the menu @samp{Ada | Projects
460 Once in the buffer for editing the project file, you can save your
461 modification using the @samp{[save]} button at the bottom of the
462 buffer, or the @kbd{C-x C-s} binding. To cancel your modifications,
463 kill the buffer or click on the @samp{[cancel]} button.
465 @node Project file variables, , GUI Editor, Project files
466 @section Project file variables
468 The following variables can be defined in a project file; some can
469 also be defined in lisp variables.
471 To set a project variable that is a list, specify each element of the
472 list on a separate line in the project file.
474 Any project variable can be referenced in other project variables,
475 using a shell-like notation. For instance, if the variable
476 @code{comp_cmd} contains @code{$@{comp_opt@}}, the value of the
477 @code{comp_opt} variable will be substituted when @code{comp_cmd} is
480 In addition, process environment variables can be referenced using the
481 same syntax, or the normal @code{$var} syntax.
483 Most project variables have defaults that can be changed by setting
484 lisp variables; the table below identifies the lisp variable for each
485 project variable. Lisp variables corresponding to project variables
486 that are lists are lisp lists.
488 In general, project variables are evaluated when referenced in
489 Emacs Ada mode commands. Relative file paths are expanded to
490 absolute relative to @code{$@{build_dir@}}.
492 Here is the list of variables. In the default values, the current
493 directory @code{"."} is the project file directory.
496 @c defined in ada-default-prj-properties; alphabetical order
498 @item @code{ada_project_path_sep} [default: @code{":" or ";"}]
499 Path separator for @code{ADA_PROJECT_PATH}. It defaults to the correct
500 value for a native implementation of GNAT for the current operating
501 system. The user must override this when using Windows native GNAT
502 with Cygwin Emacs, and perhaps in other cases.
504 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-ada-project-path-sep}.
506 @item @code{ada_project_path} [default: @code{""}]
507 A list of directories to search for GNAT project files.
509 If set, the @code{ADA_PROJECT_PATH} process environment variable is
510 set to this value in the Emacs process when the Emacs Ada mode project
511 is selected via menu @samp{Ada | Project | Load}.
513 For @code{ada_project_path}, relative file paths are expanded to
514 absolute when the Emacs Ada project file is read, rather than when the
515 project file is selected.
517 For example if the project file is in the directory
518 @file{/home/myproject}, the environment variable @code{GDS_ROOT} is
519 set to @code{/home/shared}, and the project file contains:
521 ada_project_path_sep=:
522 ada_project_path=$GDS_ROOT/makerules
523 ada_project_path=../opentoken
525 the environment variable @code{ADA_PROJECT_PATH} will be set to
526 @code{"/home/shared/makerules:/home/opentoken/"}.
528 The default value is not the current value of this environment
529 variable, because that will typically have been set by another
530 project, and will therefore be incorrect for this project.
532 If you have the environment variable set correctly for all of your
533 projects, you do not need to set this project variable.
535 @item @code{bind_opt} [default: @code{""}]
536 Holds user binder options; used in the default build commands.
538 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-bind-opt}.
540 @item @code{build_dir} [default: @code{"."}]
541 The compile commands will be issued in this directory.
543 @item @code{casing} [default: @code{("~/.emacs_case_exceptions")}
544 List of files containing casing exceptions. See the help on
545 @code{ada-case-exception-file} for more info.
546 @c FIXME: section on case exceptions
548 Lisp variable: @code{ada-case-exception-file}.
550 @item @code{check_cmd} [default: @code{"$@{cross_prefix@}gnatmake -u -c -gnatc $@{gnatmake_opt@} $@{full_current@} -cargs $@{comp_opt@}"}]
551 Command used to syntax check a single file.
552 The name of the file is substituted for @code{full_current}.
554 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-check-cmd}
556 @item @code{comp_cmd} [default: @code{"$@{cross_prefix@}gnatmake -u -c $@{gnatmake_opt@} $@{full_current@} -cargs $@{comp_opt@}"}]
557 Command used to compile a single file.
558 The name of the file is substituted for @code{full_current}.
560 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-comp-cmd}.
562 @item @code{comp_opt} [default: @code{"-gnatq -gnatQ"}]
563 Holds user compiler options; used in the default compile commands. The
564 default value tells gnatmake to generate library files for
565 cross-referencing even when there are errors.
567 If source code for the project is in multiple directories, the
568 appropriate compiler options must be added here. @ref{Set source
569 search path} for examples of this. Alternately, GNAT project files may
570 be used; @ref{Use GNAT project file}.
572 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-comp-opt}.
574 @item @code{cross_prefix} [default: @code{""}]
575 Name of target machine in a cross-compilation environment. Used in
576 default compile and build commands.
578 @item @code{debug_cmd} [default: @code{"$@{cross_prefix@}gdb $@{main@}"}]
579 Command used to debug the application
581 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-debugger}.
583 @item @code{debug_post_cmd} [default: @code{""}]
584 Command executed after @code{debug_cmd}.
586 @item @code{debug_pre_cmd} [default: @code{"cd $@{build_dir@}"}]
587 Command executed before @code{debug_cmd}.
589 @item @code{gnatfind_opt} [default: @code{"-rf"}]
590 Holds user gnatfind options; used in the default find commands.
592 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-gnatfind-switches}.
594 @item @code{gnatmake_opt} [default: @code{"-g"}]
595 Holds user gnatmake options; used in the default build commands.
597 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-gnatmake-opt}.
599 @item @code{gpr_file} [default: @code{""}]
600 Specify GNAT project file.
602 If set, the source and object directories specified in the GNAT
603 project file are appended to @code{src_dir} and @code{obj_dir}. This
604 allows specifying Ada source directories with a GNAT project file, and
605 other source directories with the Emacs project file.
607 In addition, @code{-P@{gpr_file@}} is added to the project variable
608 @code{gnatmake_opt} whenever it is referenced. With the default
609 project variables, this passes the project file to all gnatmake
612 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-gpr-file}.
614 @c FIXME: add gnatstub-opts
616 @item @code{link_opt} [default: @code{""}]
617 Holds user linker options; used in the default build commands.
619 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-link-opt}.
621 @item @code{main} [default: current file]
622 Specifies the name of the executable file for the project; used in the
623 default build commands.
625 @item @code{make_cmd} [default: @code{"$@{cross_prefix@}gnatmake -o $@{main@} $@{main@} $@{gnatmake_opt@} -cargs $@{comp_opt@} -bargs $@{bind_opt@} -largs $@{link_opt@}"}]
626 Command used to build the application.
628 Lisp variable: @code{ada-prj-default-make-cmd}.
630 @item @code{obj_dir} [default: @code{"."}]
631 A list of directories to search for library files. Ada mode searches
632 this list for the @samp{.ali} files generated by GNAT that contain
633 cross-reference information.
635 The compiler commands must place the @samp{.ali} files in one of these
636 directories; the default commands do that.
638 @item @code{remote_machine} [default: @code{""}]
639 Name of the machine to log into before issuing the compile and build
640 commands. If this variable is empty, the command will be run on the
643 @item @code{run_cmd} [default: @code{"./$@{main@}"}]
644 Command used to run the application.
646 @item @code{src_dir} [default: @code{"."}]
647 A list of directories to search for source files, both for compile
648 commands and source navigation.
652 @node Compiling Examples, Moving Through Ada Code, Project files, Top
653 @chapter Compiling Examples
655 We present several small projects, and walk thru the process of
656 compiling, linking, and running them.
658 The first example illustrates more Ada mode features than the others;
659 you should work thru that example before doing the others.
661 All of these examples assume you are using GNAT.
663 The source for these examples is available on the Emacs Ada mode
664 website mentioned in @xref{Installation}.
667 * No project files:: Just menus
668 * Set compiler options:: A basic Ada mode project file
669 * Set source search path:: Source in multiple directories
670 * Use GNAT project file::
671 * Use multiple GNAT project files::
674 @node No project files, Set compiler options, Compiling Examples, Compiling Examples
675 @section No project files
676 This example uses no project files.
678 First, create a directory @file{Example_1}, containing:
686 Put_Line("Hello from hello.adb");
690 Yes, this is missing ``use Ada.Text_IO;'' - we want to demonstrate
691 compiler error handling.
703 This file has no errors.
705 @file{hello_pkg.ads}:
713 This file has no errors.
715 @file{hello_pkg.adb}:
722 Ada.Text_IO.Put_Line ("Hello from hello_pkg.adb");
727 Yes, this is missing the keyword @code{body}; another compiler error
730 In buffer @file{hello.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Check file}. You should
731 get a @code{*compilation*} buffer containing something like (the
732 directory paths will be different):
735 cd c:/Examples/Example_1/
736 gnatmake -u -c -gnatc -g c:/Examples/Example_1/hello.adb -cargs -gnatq -gnatQ
737 gcc -c -Ic:/Examples/Example_1/ -gnatc -g -gnatq -gnatQ -I- c:/Examples/Example_1/hello.adb
738 hello.adb:4:04: "Put_Line" is not visible
739 hello.adb:4:04: non-visible declaration at a-textio.ads:264
740 hello.adb:4:04: non-visible declaration at a-textio.ads:260
741 gnatmake: "c:/Examples/Example_1/hello.adb" compilation error
744 If you have enabled font-lock, the lines with actual errors (starting
745 with @file{hello.adb}) are highlighted, with the file name in red.
747 Now type @kbd{C-x `} (on a PC keyboard, @key{`} is next to @key{1}).
748 Or you can click the middle mouse button on the first error line. The
749 compilation buffer scrolls to put the first error on the top line, and
750 point is put at the place of the error in the @file{hello.adb} buffer.
752 To fix the error, change the line to be
755 Ada.Text_IO.Put_Line ("hello from hello.adb");
758 Now invoke @samp{Ada | Show main}; this displays @samp{Ada mode main: hello}.
760 Now (in buffer @file{hello.adb}), invoke @samp{Ada | Build}. You are
761 prompted to save the file (if you haven't already). Then the
762 compilation buffer is displayed again, containing:
765 cd c:/Examples/Example_1/
766 gnatmake -o hello hello -g -cargs -gnatq -gnatQ -bargs -largs
767 gcc -c -g -gnatq -gnatQ hello.adb
768 gnatbind -x hello.ali
769 gnatlink hello.ali -o hello.exe -g
772 The compilation has succeeded without errors; @file{hello.exe} now
773 exists in the same directory as @file{hello.adb}.
775 Now invoke @samp{Ada | Run}. A @file{*run*} buffer is displayed,
784 That completes the first part of this example.
786 Now we will compile a multi-file project. Open the file
787 @file{hello_2.adb}, and invoke @samp{Ada | Set main and Build}. This
788 finds an error in @file{hello_pkg.adb}:
791 cd c:/Examples/Example_1/
792 gnatmake -o hello_2 hello_2 -g -cargs -gnatq -gnatQ -bargs -largs
793 gcc -c -g -gnatq -gnatQ hello_pkg.adb
794 hello_pkg.adb:2:08: keyword "body" expected here [see file name]
795 gnatmake: "hello_pkg.adb" compilation error
798 This demonstrates that gnatmake finds the files needed by the main
799 program. However, it cannot find files in a different directory,
800 unless you use an Emacs Ada mode project file to specify the other directories;
801 @xref{Set source search path}, or a GNAT project file; @ref{Use GNAT
804 Invoke @samp{Ada | Show main}; this displays @file{Ada mode main: hello_2}.
806 Move to the error with @kbd{C-x `}, and fix the error by adding @code{body}:
809 package body Hello_Pkg is
812 Now, while still in @file{hello_pkg.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Build}.
813 gnatmake successfully builds @file{hello_2}. This demonstrates that
814 Emacs has remembered the main file, in the project variable
815 @code{main}, and used it for the Build command.
817 Finally, again while in @file{hello_pkg.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Run}.
818 The @code{*run*} buffer displays @code{Hello from hello_pkg.adb}.
820 One final point. If you switch back to buffer @file{hello.adb}, and
821 invoke @samp{Ada | Run}, @file{hello_2.exe} will be run. That is
822 because @code{main} is still set to @code{hello_2}, as you can
823 see when you invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Edit}.
825 There are three ways to change @code{main}:
829 Invoke @samp{Ada | Set main and Build}, which sets @code{main} to
833 Invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Edit}, edit @code{main}, and click @samp{[save]}
836 Invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Load}, and load a project file that specifies @code{main}
840 @node Set compiler options, Set source search path, No project files, Compiling Examples
841 @section Set compiler options
843 This example illustrates using an Emacs Ada mode project file to set a
846 If you have files from @file{Example_1} open in Emacs, you should
847 close them so you don't get confused. Use menu @samp{File | Close
850 In directory @file{Example_2}, create these files:
858 Put_Line("Hello from hello.adb");
862 This is the same as @file{hello.adb} from @file{Example_1}. It has two
863 errors; missing ``use Ada.Text_IO;'', and no space between
864 @code{Put_Line} and its argument list.
872 This tells the GNAT compiler to check for token spacing; in
873 particular, there must be a space preceding a parenthesis.
875 In buffer @file{hello.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Load...}, and
876 select @file{Example_2/hello.adp}.
878 Then, again in buffer @file{hello.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Set main and
879 Build}. You should get a @code{*compilation*} buffer containing
880 something like (the directory paths will be different):
883 cd c:/Examples/Example_2/
884 gnatmake -o hello hello -g -cargs -gnatyt -bargs -largs
885 gcc -c -g -gnatyt hello.adb
886 hello.adb:4:04: "Put_Line" is not visible
887 hello.adb:4:04: non-visible declaration at a-textio.ads:264
888 hello.adb:4:04: non-visible declaration at a-textio.ads:260
889 hello.adb:4:12: (style) space required
890 gnatmake: "hello.adb" compilation error
893 Compare this to the compiler output in @ref{No project files}; the
894 gnatmake option @code{-cargs -gnatq -gnatQ} has been replaced by
895 @code{-cargs -gnaty}, and an additional error is reported in
896 @file{hello.adb} on line 4. This shows that @file{hello.adp} is being
897 used to set the compiler options.
899 Fixing the error, linking and running the code proceed as in @ref{No
902 @node Set source search path, Use GNAT project file, Set compiler options, Compiling Examples
903 @section Set source search path
905 In this example, we show how to deal with files in more than one
906 directory. We start with the same code as in @ref{No project files};
907 create those files (with the errors present)
909 Create the directory @file{Example_3}, containing:
911 @file{hello_pkg.ads}:
919 @file{hello_pkg.adb}:
926 Ada.Text_IO.Put_Line ("Hello from hello_pkg.adb");
931 These are the same files from example 1; @file{hello_pkg.adb} has an
934 In addition, create a directory @file{Example_3/Other}, containing these files:
936 @file{Other/hello_3.adb}:
940 with Ada.Text_IO; use Ada.Text_IO;
944 Put_Line ("From hello_3");
948 There are no errors in this file.
950 @file{Other/other.adp}:
957 Note that there must be no trailing spaces.
959 In buffer @file{hello_3.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Load...}, and
960 select @file{Example_3/Other/other.adp}.
962 Then, again in @file{hello_3.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Set main and
963 Build}. You should get a @code{*compilation*} buffer containing
964 something like (the directory paths will be different):
967 cd c:/Examples/Example_3/Other/
968 gnatmake -o hello_3 hello_3 -g -cargs -I.. -bargs -largs
969 gcc -c -g -I.. hello_3.adb
970 gcc -c -I./ -g -I.. -I- C:\Examples\Example_3\hello_pkg.adb
971 hello_pkg.adb:2:08: keyword "body" expected here [see file name]
972 gnatmake: "C:\Examples\Example_3\hello_pkg.adb" compilation error
975 Compare the @code{-cargs} option to the compiler output in @ref{Set
976 compiler options}; this shows that @file{other.adp} is being used to
977 set the compiler options.
979 Move to the error with @kbd{C-x `}. Ada mode searches the list of
980 directories given by @code{src_dir} for the file mentioned in the
981 compiler error message.
983 Fixing the error, linking and running the code proceed as in @ref{No
986 @node Use GNAT project file, Use multiple GNAT project files, Set source search path, Compiling Examples
987 @section Use GNAT project file
989 In this example, we show how to use a GNAT project file, with no Ada
992 Create the directory @file{Example_4}, containing:
994 @file{hello_pkg.ads}:
1002 @file{hello_pkg.adb}:
1006 package Hello_Pkg is
1009 Ada.Text_IO.Put_Line ("Hello from hello_pkg.adb");
1014 These are the same files from example 1; @file{hello_pkg.adb} has an
1017 In addition, create a directory @file{Example_4/Gnat_Project},
1018 containing these files:
1020 @file{Gnat_Project/hello_4.adb}:
1024 with Ada.Text_IO; use Ada.Text_IO;
1027 Hello_Pkg.Say_Hello;
1028 Put_Line ("From hello_4");
1032 There are no errors in this file.
1034 @file{Gnat_Project/hello_4.gpr}:
1038 for Source_Dirs use (".", "..");
1042 In buffer @file{hello_4.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Load...}, and
1043 select @file{Example_4/Gnat_Project/hello_4.gpr}.
1045 Then, again in @file{hello_4.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Set main and
1046 Build}. You should get a @code{*compilation*} buffer containing
1047 something like (the directory paths will be different):
1050 cd c:/Examples/Example_4/Gnat_Project/
1051 gnatmake -o hello_4 hello_4 -Phello_4.gpr -cargs -gnatq -gnatQ -bargs -largs
1052 gcc -c -g -gnatyt -gnatq -gnatQ -I- -gnatA c:\Examples\Example_4\Gnat_Project\hello_4.adb
1053 gcc -c -g -gnatyt -gnatq -gnatQ -I- -gnatA c:\Examples\Example_4\hello_pkg.adb
1054 hello_pkg.adb:2:08: keyword "body" expected here [see file name]
1055 gnatmake: "c:\examples\example_4\hello_pkg.adb" compilation error
1058 Compare the @code{gcc} options to the compiler output in @ref{Set
1059 compiler options}; this shows that @file{hello_4.gpr} is being used to
1060 set the compiler options.
1062 Fixing the error, linking and running the code proceed as in @ref{No
1065 @node Use multiple GNAT project files, , Use GNAT project file, Compiling Examples
1066 @section Use multiple GNAT project files
1068 In this example, we show how to use multiple GNAT project files,
1069 specifying the GNAT project search path in an Ada mode project file.
1071 Create the directory @file{Example_4} as specified in @ref{Use GNAT
1074 Create the directory @file{Example_5}, containing:
1080 with Ada.Text_IO; use Ada.Text_IO;
1083 Hello_Pkg.Say_Hello;
1084 Put_Line ("From hello_5");
1088 There are no errors in this file.
1093 ada_project_path=../Example_4/Gnat_Project
1094 gpr_file=hello_5.gpr
1102 for Source_Dirs use (".");
1104 for Default_Switches ("Ada") use ("-g", "-gnatyt");
1109 In buffer @file{hello_5.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Project | Load...}, and
1110 select @file{Example_5/hello_5.adp}.
1112 Then, again in @file{hello_5.adb}, invoke @samp{Ada | Set main and
1113 Build}. You should get a @code{*compilation*} buffer containing
1114 something like (the directory paths will be different):
1117 cd c:/Examples/Example_5/
1118 gnatmake -o hello_5 hello_5 -Phello_5.gpr -g -cargs -gnatq -gnatQ -bargs -largs
1119 gcc -c -g -gnatyt -g -gnatq -gnatQ -I- -gnatA c:\Examples\Example_5\hello_5.adb
1120 gcc -c -g -gnatyt -g -gnatq -gnatQ -I- -gnatA c:\Examples\Example_4\hello_pkg.adb
1121 hello_pkg.adb:2:08: keyword "body" expected here [see file name]
1122 gnatmake: "c:\examples\example_4\hello_pkg.adb" compilation error
1125 Now type @kbd{C-x `}. @file{Example_4/hello_pkg.adb} is shown,
1126 demonstrating that @file{hello_5.gpr} and @file{hello_4.gpr} are being
1127 used to set the compilation search path.
1129 @node Moving Through Ada Code, Identifier completion, Compiling Examples, Top
1130 @chapter Moving Through Ada Code
1132 There are several easy to use commands to navigate through Ada code. All
1133 these functions are available through the Ada menu, and you can also
1134 use the following key bindings or the command names. Some of these
1135 menu entries are available only if the GNAT compiler is used, since
1136 the implementation relies on the GNAT cross-referencing information.
1140 @findex ada-next-procedure
1141 Move to the next function/procedure/task, which ever comes next
1142 (@code{ada-next-procedure}).
1144 @findex ada-previous-procedure
1145 Move to previous function/procedure/task
1146 (@code{ada-previous-procedure}).
1147 @item M-x ada-next-package
1148 @findex ada-next-package
1149 Move to next package.
1150 @item M-x ada-previous-package
1151 @findex ada-previous-package
1152 Move to previous package.
1154 @findex ada-move-to-start
1155 Move to matching start of @code{end} (@code{ada-move-to-start}). If
1156 point is at the end of a subprogram, this command jumps to the
1157 corresponding @code{begin} if the user option
1158 @code{ada-move-to-declaration} is @code{nil} (default), otherwise it jumps to
1159 the subprogram declaration.
1161 @findex ada-move-to-end
1162 Move point to end of current block (@code{ada-move-to-end}).
1164 Switch between corresponding spec and body file
1165 (@code{ff-find-other-file}). If point is in a subprogram, position
1166 point on the corresponding declaration or body in the other file.
1168 @findex ada-goto-declaration
1169 Move from any reference to its declaration, for from a declaration to
1170 its body (for procedures, tasks, private and incomplete types).
1172 @findex ada-find-references
1173 Runs the @file{gnatfind} command to search for all references to the
1174 identifier surrounding point (@code{ada-find-references}). Use
1175 @kbd{C-x `} (@code{next-error}) to visit each reference (as for
1176 compilation errors).
1179 If the @code{ada-xref-create-ali} variable is non-@code{nil}, Emacs
1180 will try to run GNAT for you whenever cross-reference information is
1181 needed, and is older than the current source file.
1183 @node Identifier completion, Automatic Smart Indentation, Moving Through Ada Code, Top
1184 @chapter Identifier completion
1186 Emacs and Ada mode provide two general ways for the completion of
1187 identifiers. This is an easy way to type faster: you just have to type
1188 the first few letters of an identifiers, and then loop through all the
1189 possible completions.
1191 The first method is general for Emacs. It works by parsing all open
1192 files for possible completions.
1194 For instance, if the words @samp{my_identifier}, @samp{my_subprogram}
1195 are the only words starting with @samp{my} in any of the opened files,
1196 then you will have this scenario:
1199 You type: my@kbd{M-/}
1200 Emacs inserts: @samp{my_identifier}
1201 If you press @kbd{M-/} once again, Emacs replaces @samp{my_identifier} with
1202 @samp{my_subprogram}.
1203 Pressing @kbd{M-/} once more will bring you back to @samp{my_identifier}.
1206 This is a very fast way to do completion, and the casing of words will
1209 The second method (@kbd{C-@key{TAB}}) is specific to Ada mode and the GNAT
1210 compiler. Emacs will search the cross-information for possible
1213 The main advantage is that this completion is more accurate: only
1214 existing identifier will be suggested.
1216 On the other hand, this completion is a little bit slower and requires
1217 that you have compiled your file at least once since you created that
1222 @findex ada-complete-identifier
1223 Complete current identifier using cross-reference information.
1225 Complete identifier using buffer information (not Ada-specific).
1228 @node Automatic Smart Indentation, Formatting Parameter Lists, Identifier completion, Top
1229 @chapter Automatic Smart Indentation
1231 Ada mode comes with a full set of rules for automatic indentation. You
1232 can also configure the indentation, via the following variables:
1235 @item @code{ada-broken-indent} (default value: 2)
1236 Number of columns to indent the continuation of a broken line.
1238 @item @code{ada-indent} (default value: 3)
1239 Number of columns for default indentation.
1241 @item @code{ada-indent-record-rel-type} (default value: 3)
1242 Indentation for @code{record} relative to @code{type} or @code{use}.
1244 @item @code{ada-indent-return} (default value: 0)
1245 Indentation for @code{return} relative to @code{function} (if
1246 @code{ada-indent-return} is greater than 0), or the open parenthesis
1247 (if @code{ada-indent-return} is negative or 0). Note that in the second
1248 case, when there is no open parenthesis, the indentation is done
1249 relative to @code{function} with the value of @code{ada-broken-indent}.
1251 @item @code{ada-label-indent} (default value: -4)
1252 Number of columns to indent a label.
1254 @item @code{ada-stmt-end-indent} (default value: 0)
1255 Number of columns to indent a statement @code{end} keyword on a separate line.
1257 @item @code{ada-when-indent} (default value: 3)
1258 Indentation for @code{when} relative to @code{exception} or @code{case}.
1260 @item @code{ada-indent-is-separate} (default value: t)
1261 Non-@code{nil} means indent @code{is separate} or @code{is abstract} if on a single line.
1263 @item @code{ada-indent-to-open-paren} (default value: t)
1264 Non-@code{nil} means indent according to the innermost open parenthesis.
1266 @item @code{ada-indent-after-return} (default value: t)
1267 Non-@code{nil} means that the current line will also be re-indented
1268 before inserting a newline, when you press @key{RET}.
1271 Most of the time, the indentation will be automatic, i.e when you
1272 press @key{RET}, the cursor will move to the correct column on the
1275 You can also indent single lines, or the current region, with @key{TAB}.
1277 Another mode of indentation exists that helps you to set up your
1278 indentation scheme. If you press @kbd{C-c @key{TAB}}, Ada mode will do
1283 Reindent the current line, as @key{TAB} would do.
1285 Temporarily move the cursor to a reference line, i.e., the line that
1286 was used to calculate the current indentation.
1288 Display in the message window the name of the variable that provided
1289 the offset for the indentation.
1292 The exact indentation of the current line is the same as the one for the
1293 reference line, plus an offset given by the variable.
1297 Indent the current line or the current region.
1299 Indent lines in the current region.
1301 Indent the current line and display the name of the variable used for
1305 @node Formatting Parameter Lists, Automatic Casing, Automatic Smart Indentation, Top
1306 @chapter Formatting Parameter Lists
1310 @findex ada-format-paramlist
1311 Format the parameter list (@code{ada-format-paramlist}).
1314 This aligns the declarations on the colon (@samp{:}) separating
1315 argument names and argument types, and aligns the @code{in},
1316 @code{out} and @code{in out} keywords.
1318 @node Automatic Casing, Statement Templates, Formatting Parameter Lists, Top
1319 @chapter Automatic Casing
1321 Casing of identifiers, attributes and keywords is automatically
1322 performed while typing when the variable @code{ada-auto-case} is set.
1323 Every time you press a word separator, the previous word is
1324 automatically cased.
1326 You can customize the automatic casing differently for keywords,
1327 attributes and identifiers. The relevant variables are the following:
1328 @code{ada-case-keyword}, @code{ada-case-attribute} and
1329 @code{ada-case-identifier}.
1331 All these variables can have one of the following values:
1335 The word will be lowercase. For instance @code{My_vARIable} is
1336 converted to @code{my_variable}.
1339 The word will be uppercase. For instance @code{My_vARIable} is
1340 converted to @code{MY_VARIABLE}.
1342 @item ada-capitalize-word
1343 The first letter and each letter following an underscore (@samp{_})
1344 are uppercase, others are lowercase. For instance @code{My_vARIable}
1345 is converted to @code{My_Variable}.
1347 @item ada-loose-case-word
1348 Characters after an underscore @samp{_} character are uppercase,
1349 others are not modified. For instance @code{My_vARIable} is converted
1350 to @code{My_VARIable}.
1353 Ada mode allows you to define exceptions to these rules, in a file
1354 specified by the variable @code{ada-case-exception-file}
1355 (default @file{~/.emacs_case_exceptions}). Each line in this file
1356 specifies the casing of one word or word fragment. Comments may be
1357 included, separated from the word by a space.
1359 If the word starts with an asterisk (@key{*}), it defines the casing
1360 as a word fragment (or ``substring''); part of a word between two
1361 underscores or word boundary.
1366 DOD Department of Defense
1368 GNAT The GNAT compiler from Ada Core Technologies
1371 The word fragment @code{*IO} applies to any word containing ``_io'';
1372 @code{Text_IO}, @code{Hardware_IO}, etc.
1374 @findex ada-create-case-exception
1375 There are two ways to add new items to this file: you can simply edit
1376 it as you would edit any text file. Or you can position point on the
1377 word you want to add, and select menu @samp{Ada | Edit | Create Case
1378 Exception}, or press @kbd{C-c C-y} (@code{ada-create-case-exception}).
1379 The word will automatically be added to the current list of exceptions
1382 To define a word fragment case exception, select the word fragment,
1383 then select menu @samp{Ada | Edit | Create Case Exception Substring}.
1385 It is sometimes useful to have multiple exception files around (for
1386 instance, one could be the standard Ada acronyms, the second some
1387 company specific exceptions, and the last one some project specific
1388 exceptions). If you set up the variable @code{ada-case-exception-file}
1389 as a list of files, each of them will be parsed and used in your emacs
1390 session. However, when you save a new exception through the menu, as
1391 described above, the new exception will be added to the first file in
1396 @findex ada-adjust-case-buffer
1397 Adjust case in the whole buffer (@code{ada-adjust-case-buffer}).
1399 Create a new entry in the exception dictionary, with the word under
1400 the cursor (@code{ada-create-case-exception})
1402 @findex ada-case-read-exceptions
1403 Rereads the exception dictionary from the file
1404 @code{ada-case-exception-file} (@code{ada-case-read-exceptions}).
1407 @node Statement Templates, Comment Handling, Automatic Casing, Top
1408 @chapter Statement Templates
1410 Templates are defined for most Ada statements, using the Emacs
1411 ``skeleton'' package. They can be inserted in the buffer using the
1416 @findex ada-exception-block
1417 exception Block (@code{ada-exception-block}).
1420 case (@code{ada-case}).
1422 @findex ada-declare-block
1423 declare Block (@code{ada-declare-block}).
1426 else (@code{ada-else}).
1428 @findex ada-for-loop
1429 for Loop (@code{ada-for-loop}).
1432 Header (@code{ada-header}).
1437 @findex ada-package-body
1438 package Body (@code{ada-package-body}).
1441 loop (@code{ada-loop}).
1443 @findex ada-subprogram-body
1444 subprogram body (@code{ada-subprogram-body}).
1446 @findex ada-task-body
1447 task Body (@code{ada-task-body}).
1450 while Loop (@code{ada-while}).
1453 use (@code{ada-use}).
1456 exit (@code{ada-exit}).
1459 array (@code{ada-array}).
1462 elsif (@code{ada-elsif}).
1464 @findex ada-function-spec
1465 function Spec (@code{ada-function-spec}).
1467 @findex ada-package-spec
1468 package Spec (@code{ada-package-spec}).
1470 @findex ada-procedure-spec
1471 procedure Spec (@code{ada-package-spec}.
1474 record (@code{ada-record}).
1477 subtype (@code{ada-subtype}).
1479 @findex ada-task-spec
1480 task Spec (@code{ada-task-spec}).
1483 with (@code{ada-with}).
1486 private (@code{ada-private}).
1489 when (@code{ada-when}).
1491 @findex ada-exception
1492 exception (@code{ada-exception}).
1495 type (@code{ada-type}).
1498 @node Comment Handling, GNU Free Documentation License, Statement Templates, Top
1499 @chapter Comment Handling
1501 By default, comment lines get indented like Ada code. There are a few
1502 additional functions to handle comments:
1506 Start a comment in default column.
1508 Continue comment on next line.
1510 Comment the selected region (add -- at the beginning of lines).
1512 Uncomment the selected region
1514 autofill the current comment.
1517 @node GNU Free Documentation License, Index, Comment Handling, Top
1518 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
1519 @include doclicense.texi
1521 @node Index, , GNU Free Documentation License, Top