NAME

a.tags − create a tags file

FORMAT

a.tags [options] ada_source.a ... 

DESCRIPTION

a.tags makes a tags file from the specified Ada source(s). The operation is similar to the UNIX ctags(1) command with modifications for Ada-specific features. 
 
Each line of the tags file lists the object name, the file in which it is defined, and search patterns for locating each object’s definition. UNIX editors such as vi(1) or ex(1) can use the tags file to locate units and, if the -t option is used, to locate types as well. Create the tags file with the command
 
a.tags *.a
 
For example, to edit unit END_PROG without specifying the file that contains it, type the following command.
 
vi -t END_PROG
 
Ada allows unit name overloading, and a.tags requires special conventions to access different units having the same name.  Ada specifications are named by prefacing the Ada simple name with s#.  Bodies are named with the unmodified Ada name.  Stubs for separates are named by prefacing the Ada simple name with stub#. 
 
Nested packages, subprograms, types, generics, and task definitions are always listed with their full name (Ada expanded name) with any tag prefaces added to the simple name. Simple names for nested units are listed only if the simple name is unique across all other tags. Thus the user may use the simple name if it is unique and may always use the full name.
 
Fully qualified overloaded names within a file are not differentiated. However, the tag identifies the correct file, and repeated application of the search pattern will find the desired subprogram. The search pattern is generalized to match all versions of the overloaded subprogram; this generalization may cause the pattern to recognize things other than the desired unit. Identical fully qualified names across files are not handled.
 
The -x and -v options provide listings on the standard output; all other options refer to the file tags generated for use by ex or vi. 

OPTIONS

-a (append) Append to the tags file. 

-B (backward) Record backward searching (?). 

-F (forward) Record forward searching patterns (/).  Default. 

-t (types) Create tags for types also. 

-v (vgrind) Generate an index with line numbers for vgrind(1) on the standard output. 

-w (warnings) Suppress warning messages. 

-x (cross) Generate an indexed list of all tags on the standard output. 

SEE ALSO

ctags(1)

BUGS

When using ex or vi with the -t option, the command line must contain the desired unit or type in the same case (upper or lower) as its occurrence in the source file.