Learning a language fairly fast (Fortran)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around learning Fortran, specifically the differences between Fortran 77 and Fortran 95, as well as resources for quickly acquiring a foundational understanding of the language in a short time frame. The context includes both theoretical and practical aspects of language learning for research purposes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses the need to learn Fortran quickly for research and seeks recommendations for resources and tips.
  • Another participant shares a link to a self-study guide for Fortran 95, indicating it was helpful in their own learning process.
  • A participant notes the textbook provided is on Fortran 77 and questions the significance of differences between Fortran 77 and Fortran 95, particularly regarding advanced features.
  • One reply highlights that while Fortran 77 is considered outdated, Fortran 90 introduces many new features, though it suggests that F90 is largely backward compatible with F77.
  • A participant requests further insights on the transition from Fortran 77 to Fortran 95, expressing a desire to understand compatibility and carryover of features.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to have mixed views on the relevance of differences between Fortran 77 and Fortran 95, with some acknowledging backward compatibility while others express uncertainty about specific compatibility issues.

Contextual Notes

There is an implied limitation regarding the understanding of advanced features in Fortran 90 and the potential challenges of transitioning from Fortran 77 to Fortran 95. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals looking to learn Fortran quickly for research, particularly those with no prior programming experience, may find this discussion beneficial.

PCSL
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I'm going to be using Fortran for research this summer (three weeks) and the one problem is I don't know Fortran. Obviously, I know I can't learn everything in three weeks but I assume it is possible to get a strong base. I already have a textbook on Fortran by Etter but possibly there are some good online resources that could be recommended. As someone who has never learned any language, I was wondering if there are any general tips (or specific tips for fortran).

Thanks (hopefully you haven't answer this question too many times :) ).
 
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Thanks JesseC, I'll definitely use that link. I just realized the book my teacher gave me is on Fortran 77. Is there that big of a difference between versions when (I assume) I won't be using any of the advanced features?
 
Wow... Fortran 77 is old! I'm not entirely sure on compatibility issues since I've never used F77, however, there are a lot of new things in F90 that are not in F77 and which obviously won't work. Still if you're not using any of the new features, I believe F90 is largely backward compatible. Make sure your CAPS LOCK is working for F77 ;).
 
Could anyone else offer any insight on F77 vs. F95. It seems as if everything from 77 carries over to 95 if I would make the switch later I just want to be sure. Thanks :smile: .
 

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