Programming languages for aerospace

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the programming languages used in the aerospace industry, focusing on the dominance of C/C++ and Python, as well as the potential for other languages like Java and Julia. Participants explore the suitability and limitations of these languages in different contexts, such as operational flight programs and engineering analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that C/C++ and Python are prevalent in aerospace, with C/C++ being particularly entrenched due to their utility and importance.
  • There is speculation about the potential rise of Julia as a popular language, though its future remains uncertain.
  • Participants highlight the distinction between programming for engineering analysis and operational flight programs (OFPs), with strict testing and hardware limitations affecting language choice for OFPs.
  • It is mentioned that C is commonly used for OFPs, with some use of Ada and C++, while Python and Java are not typically used for OFP code.
  • Some participants express concerns about the appropriateness of using older languages like C/C++ for modern technology, questioning their limitations.
  • There is a mention of a trend towards using design tools that auto-generate code, predominantly in C and C++ for OFPs, while engineering analysis tools may utilize a variety of languages including Python and Java.
  • Legacy FORTRAN is also noted as a significant language in aerospace, with some groups using Perl and limited use of Python, while Java is viewed as too slow by some participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the continued dominance of C/C++ in aerospace, but there are multiple competing views regarding the viability and limitations of other programming languages, particularly Java and Julia. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the appropriateness of older languages for modern applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the limitations of using older programming languages in the context of modern technology, and there are unresolved questions about the specific requirements for operational flight programs versus engineering analysis.

orb_yt
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It seems a lot of stuff done for aerospace is in C/C++ or Python. Both of these are a few decades old now, and they seem to still dominate in the industry. I know that ESA has plans to start using Java, but what other current programming languages do you think would be viable options for use in aerospace?
 
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C and C++ are not going to go away any time soon. They are too useful and too important. Maybe julia will gain popularity, but who knows?
 
Khashishi said:
C and C++ are not going to go away any time soon. They are too useful and too important. Maybe julia will gain popularity, but who knows?

I wouldn't expect them too, with how ingrained and wide-spread they are in the industry. But is there any limitations to using them? Using something designed 40 years ago for modern tech just seems...weird.
 
There is a difference between code for engineering analysis versus code for operational flight programs (OFPs) that run on the plane.

The strict testing and development process requirements for OFPs severely limit the languages that can be used. So does the fact that OFPs run on a small subset of hardware and operating systems that only offer selected language compilers. C is common for OFPs. There are also a smaller number of Ada and C++ OFP programs. I am not aware of any Python or Java OFP code. A growing trend is to use design tools (often graphical) that auto-generate code. There is a lot of auto-generated C and C++ OFP code.

For engineering analysis, the design tools can have a variety of languages. You should remember that many algorithms might end up in an OFP and having them in an acceptable OFP language is a great benefit. There is a lot of Python and Java code in the analysis tools that are guaranteed to not become OFP algorithms.
 
C++ and legacy FORTRAN are the major languages in aerospace. I have some groups who use Perl and the occasional person who uses python. We have shied away from java in my particular group, it is too slow.
 

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