Is Fortran 90/95/2003 worth learning?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of learning Fortran 90/95/2003, particularly in the context of technical computing and its relevance for enhancing a resume. Participants explore its applications, especially in high-performance computing and legacy code, while comparing it to alternatives like Matlab.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that newer versions of Fortran may be advantageous for technical computing, particularly in high-performance scenarios.
  • Others argue that if the primary goal is merely to enhance a resume, it may be more beneficial to pursue topics of genuine interest rather than learning Fortran.
  • One participant highlights the existence of a significant amount of legacy Fortran code, indicating that having a working knowledge of Fortran could be useful.
  • Another participant mentions their experience with Fortran 90 for modeling, contrasting it with Matlab, which they find less efficient for certain computational tasks.
  • There is a discussion about the suitability of Fortran for intensive computational work, especially with tools like MPI and HPF.
  • Some participants emphasize that Fortran is preferable for system modeling and calculations, while Matlab is better suited for data analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the utility of learning Fortran, with some advocating for its relevance in specific contexts while others question its necessity compared to more widely used tools like Matlab. No consensus is reached regarding its overall value.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of "high-powered performance," the potential for differing experiences with legacy code, and the subjective nature of interest in programming languages.

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It appears that the newer versions of Fortran might be the best environment for technical computing. Aside from Matlab at least. It also appears that very few entities use Fortran. Is Fortran 90/95/2003 worth learning if all I really want to do is put it on my resume?
 
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Looks to me like you answered your own question.

If Matlab is better and Fortran is in limited use; unless you have some reason other than a line on your resume; wouldn't your time be better spent adding something to your resume by studying something you're actually interested in?

Just thought you want to be talked out of it. Consider it done.:smile:
 
will you be doing high powered performance?
 
There is at least 40 years of legacy Fortran code out there, if not more. Fortran is useful to have a working knowledge of, maybe not too many courses out there but can be learned with a text and any free compiler on the street.
 
neurocomp2003 said:
will you be doing high powered performance?
Not real high. I was trying to predict comet trajectories this morning though, and Matlab was chugging along at a rather slow pace. On the other hand, my CPU usage might balloon once I get my comets following realistic paths.
 
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I find to Fortran90 to be highly useful. I use it essentially for all my modelling, and I use Matlab pretty much just for data analysis. As Transport pointed out, there are decades worth of legacy Fortran code out there still in use. Further, with MPI and HPF, Fortran90 is very useful for intensive computational work. Both the solar evolution model I use from LANL, and my own solar atmosphere work is Fortran based.

Here's the thing I guess: If you plan on doing major system modelling in a computer, using the computer system as a sort of lab to calculate results from theories that can then be compared to observational data, learn Fortran. If all you want is to data analysis (as opposed to data calculation) Matlab will be better.

See: http://www.lahey.com/PRENTICE.HTM"

The letter is old, but his points are still valid.
 
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