Fortran

Introduction

Fortran, derived from "Formula Translation", is a programming language that is primarily used for numerical and scientific computing. Originally developed by IBM in the 1950s for scientific and engineering calculations, it has remained in widespread use for high-performance computing because of its efficiency.

History

The development of Fortran, which started in the 1950s, was a revolutionary step in the evolution of computer programming languages. The language was designed by a team led by John Backus at IBM's Watson Research Center. It was the first high-level programming language to be developed and the first to have an associated compiler.

Language development

The development of Fortran was driven by the need for a more efficient way to program computers. At the time, programming was done in assembly or machine language, which was a slow, laborious process. Fortran was designed to be a high-level language, meaning that it was closer to human language and further from machine language.

Syntax and structure

Fortran's syntax and structure are unique among programming languages. It uses a column-based format, where the position of characters in a line of code can affect how the code is interpreted. This is a holdover from the days when Fortran programs were punched onto cards, and each card could only hold a limited number of characters.

Data types and variables

In Fortran, data types and variables are declared at the beginning of a program or subroutine. The language supports several basic data types, including integer, real, complex, logical, and character. In addition to these, Fortran also supports arrays and derived types, which allow the programmer to define their own data structures.

Control structures

Fortran includes a number of control structures for directing the flow of a program. These include IF statements, DO loops, and CASE constructs. The language also includes features for error handling and file I/O.

Procedures and functions

In Fortran, procedures and functions are used to encapsulate blocks of code that perform specific tasks. Procedures are defined using the SUBROUTINE keyword, while functions are defined using the FUNCTION keyword. Both can take arguments and return values.

Modern Fortran

Modern versions of Fortran, starting with Fortran 90, have added many features to the language. These include support for parallel programming, improved I/O, dynamic memory allocation, and object-oriented programming features.

Applications

Fortran is widely used in scientific and engineering applications. It is particularly well-suited to numerical computation and scientific computing, due to its array syntax, support for complex numbers, and built-in mathematical functions.

Criticisms and limitations

Despite its longevity and widespread use, Fortran has been criticized for its syntax and structure, which some find difficult to read and understand. Its age and the many changes it has undergone over the years have also resulted in a lack of standardization, which can make it difficult to write portable code.