FORTRAN

Introduction to FORTRAN

FORTRAN is a pioneering high-level programming language developed by IBM in the late 1950s. It revolutionized programming by enabling mathematical and scientific calculations to be expressed more naturally through formulas, which provided a significant improvement over assembly language coding.

Key Features

High-Level Language: Simplifies programming by allowing the use of mathematical notations.
Designed for Scientific Computing: Optimized for numerical computation and scientific applications.
Portability: Initially aimed at IBM mainframes, but later versions allow for cross-platform compatibility.

Examples

Simple Calculation

1PROGRAM SimpleCalculation
2REAL :: x, y
3x = 5.0
4y = 2.0
5PRINT *, "The sum of x and y is ", x + y
6END PROGRAM SimpleCalculation

Loop Structure

1PROGRAM LoopExample
2INTEGER :: i
3DO i = 1, 10
4   PRINT *, "Iteration number ", i
5END DO
6END PROGRAM LoopExample

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FORTRAN used for?

FORTRAN is predominantly used in scientific and engineering applications where numerical computation and data processing are heavy. This includes fields such as meteorology, computational physics, and engineering simulations.

What are the major versions of FORTRAN?

Key versions include FORTRAN I (1957), FORTRAN IV (1961), FORTRAN 77, FORTRAN 90, FORTRAN 95, and more recent versions as part of the Fortran 2003, Fortran 2008, and Fortran 2018 standards.

Is FORTRAN still in use today?

Yes, FORTRAN continues to be in use, especially in fields that require high-performance computing and numerical accuracy.

How does FORTRAN compare to other languages?

FORTRAN specializes in numerical and scientific computing, which makes it less suitable for general-purpose programming compared to languages like Python or Java. However, it offers superior performance for specific computational tasks.

High-Level Language: A type of programming language that is more abstract, easier to learn, and more efficient for programming complex tasks compared to low-level languages like assembly.
Assembly Language: A low-level programming language that is closely related to machine code, often architecture-specific and more complex than high-level languages.
Numerical Computation: The process of performing mathematical calculations using numerical methods.

References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Introduction to Fortran 90/95” by Stephen J. Chapman
“Fortran 95/2003 for Scientists & Engineers” by Stephen J. Chapman
“Modern Fortran Explained” by Michael Metcalf, John Reid, and Malcolm Cohen
“Professional Programmers’ Guide to Fortran77” by Clive G. Page

Fundamentals of FORTRAN: Computer Science Basics Quiz

### What organization developed FORTRAN? - [ ] Apple - [x] IBM - [ ] Intel - [ ] Microsoft > **Explanation:** FORTRAN was developed by IBM in the late 1950s to facilitate mathematical and scientific computations. ### When was FORTRAN first introduced? - [ ] 1945 - [ ] 1965 - [x] Late 1950s - [ ] 1975 > **Explanation:** FORTRAN was introduced in the late 1950s, marking it as one of the earliest high-level programming languages. ### What is the primary use case for FORTRAN? - [x] Scientific and numerical computing - [ ] Web development - [ ] Database management - [ ] Mobile app development > **Explanation:** FORTRAN is primarily used in scientific and numerical computing due to its strength in processing mathematical formulas and data. ### Which of the following best describes FORTRAN's syntax style? - [ ] Object-Oriented - [x] Formula-based - [ ] Procedural - [ ] Functional > **Explanation:** FORTRAN's syntax is heavily formula-based, allowing direct expression of mathematical calculations. ### Is FORTRAN still in use today? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** Despite being one of the oldest high-level languages, FORTRAN is still in use today, especially in scientific and engineering domains. ### Which version of FORTRAN introduced array-processing capabilities? - [x] FORTRAN 90 - [ ] FORTRAN IV - [ ] FORTRAN 77 - [ ] FORTRAN 2008 > **Explanation:** FORTRAN 90 introduced enhanced array processing capabilities, making it more suitable for a wide range of numerical and scientific applications. ### What programming paradigm does FORTRAN primarily follow? - [ ] Object-Oriented - [ ] Functional - [x] Procedural - [ ] Logical > **Explanation:** FORTRAN is mainly a procedural language, though later versions support some object-oriented features. ### Which industry heavily utilizes FORTRAN? - [ ] Fashion - [ ] Automotive - [x] Aerospace - [ ] Retail > **Explanation:** The aerospace industry, along with other engineering and scientific fields, heavily relies on FORTRAN for its computational tasks. ### What is a significant feature that made FORTRAN popular in its early days? - [x] Ability to use mathematical formulas - [ ] Real-time graphics rendering - [ ] Built-in web support - [ ] Mobile compatibility > **Explanation:** FORTRAN's ability to allow the use of mathematical formulas directly within the code made it highly popular among scientists and engineers. ### The introduction of which FORTRAN standard added support for modules and user-defined types? - [ ] FORTRAN 77 - [ ] FORTRAN IV - [x] FORTRAN 90 - [ ] FORTRAN 2003 > **Explanation:** FORTRAN 90 introduced modules and user-defined types, which greatly enhanced the language's capability and structure.

Thank you for exploring the fundamentals of FORTRAN through this comprehensive overview and engaging quiz. Continue to expand your knowledge and skills in the fascinating field of computer science!