Real-time programming languages are essential to hi-tech defence applications, air control, and spacecraft operations. This book explains the concept and characteristics of real-time systems, the software support required for distributed systems and distributed databases, and a design methodology for distributed Ada programs. It analyzes Ada programming language features, describes the Ada distributed environment, and explains the design approach using case studies. Unlike other books in the field, this deals with concurrent programming languages, distributed systems and design methodologies as an integrated entity. Case studies are used for problem-solving and illustrating specific design principles for typical microprocessor real-time systems.