Fortran Mentor

Fortran, short for Formula Translation, is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that is especially suited to numeric computation and scientific computing. Originally developed in the 1950s, it has evolved significantly over the years and is known for its efficiency in numerical calculations and scientific applications.

Fortran is predominantly used in scientific computing, numerical analysis, and engineering applications. It is highly regarded for its efficiency in array operations, making it a popular choice for applications involving high-performance computing, fluid dynamics, and other complex mathematical calculations.

Fortran is chosen for its high performance in numerical computation, efficient handling of array operations, and its extensive use in legacy scientific and engineering codes. Its syntax and features are specifically designed for scientific computation, making it ideal for applications that require extensive numerical calculations.

To code in Fortran, start by understanding its syntax and structure, which are designed for scientific computation. Fortran uses a statically-typed, procedural paradigm. You can write Fortran code in any text editor, compile it with a Fortran compiler, and run it on various platforms.

A comment in Fortran starts with an exclamation mark '!' in free form, or 'C' or '*' in the first column in fixed form. Everything following the comment indicator on that line is treated as a comment and is ignored by the Fortran compiler.

To handle errors in Fortran, you can use its built-in error handling mechanisms. This includes using the 'ERROR STOP' statement for runtime errors, and employing the 'I/O status' variable to handle errors during input/output operations.

Whether Fortran is better than C++ for scientific computing depends on the specific requirements of the application. Fortran is often preferred for intensive numerical computations due to its efficiency and legacy in the scientific community, while C++ offers more general-purpose features and object-oriented capabilities.

Fortran and Python are quite different. Fortran is a statically-typed, compiled language with a focus on high-performance numerical computation, while Python is a dynamically-typed, interpreted language known for its readability and extensive libraries. Python is often used for a broader range of applications, including web development and data analysis.

Fortran's learning curve may be steeper compared to some modern programming languages due to its unique syntax and focus on scientific computing. However, for those in the fields of science and engineering, it can be quite straightforward due to its direct approach to numerical computation.

As of 2023, Fortran continues to be used, particularly in scientific and engineering fields. Its efficiency in handling large-scale numerical computations and the existence of vast legacy codes in scientific research ensure its ongoing relevance.