Introduction to Gnat

The GNAT compiler is a part of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) and is used for the Ada programming language. This tutorial will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to install and utilize GNAT effectively. It aims to assist both beginners and seasoned programmers in getting started with GNAT.

Step 1: Installation of GNAT

To begin, you need to install GNAT on your system. Follow these directions based on your operating system:

• For Windows: Download the GNAT installer from the official AdaCore website, then run the installer and follow the prompts.
• For Linux: Most distributions include GNAT in their package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, you can install it by running sudo apt install gnat in your terminal.
• For macOS: Use Homebrew to install GNAT by typing brew install gnat.

Step 2: Writing Your First Program

After installation, it’s time to write your first Ada program using GNAT. Open your favorite text editor and create a new file named hello.adb. Add the following code:

procedure Hello isbegin    Ada.Text_IO.Put_Line("Hello, World!");end Hello;

Save the file in a convenient directory to compile and run it.

Step 3: Compiling and Executing

To compile your Ada program, open your terminal and navigate to the directory where hello.adb is saved. Run the command:

gnatmake hello.adb

This creates an executable file. To execute your program, simply type:

./hello

You should see the output Hello, World! in your terminal.

Conclusion

This step-by-step tutorial has introduced you to the essentials of GNAT installation and usage. With these foundations, you can deepen your knowledge of the Ada programming language and explore its powerful features.