What Fortran Software Should Beginners Use for Programming Classes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for Fortran software suitable for beginners in a programming class. Participants explore various compilers, text editors, and environments for running Fortran code, with a focus on accessibility and usability for students.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about suitable Fortran software for a friend's programming class, indicating a lack of knowledge on the topic.
  • Another participant reflects on their past experience with Fortran 77, noting its decline in use but acknowledging that some industries still utilize it.
  • A participant outlines the basic requirements for using Fortran software, including a compiler, text editor, and command-line shell, while expressing uncertainty about specific recommendations for Windows users.
  • One participant shares their experience using gfortran as a compiler and Emacs as a text editor, highlighting that these tools are free and work well on their Windows XP system.
  • Another participant mentions using VIM in a Linux environment and notes the availability of Cygwin as a Linux emulator, while also recommending Notepad++ as a text editor and g95 as a free compiler.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the relevance and usage of Fortran today, with some acknowledging its continued application in specific fields while others question its current popularity. There is no consensus on the best software options, as multiple recommendations are provided without agreement on a single solution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the lack of guidance from the instructor regarding software recommendations, which may affect students' choices. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and preferences regarding text editors and compilers, with no definitive steps outlined for installation or usage.

optics.tech
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Hi everyone,

Currently my friend is taking fortran programming class at his university.

The instructor said every student should own any fortran software.

As I don’t have much know about it, can anyone recommend me any fortran software for this fortran programming class?

Thanks in advance
 
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I took Fortran 77 in college. That was over 20 years ago. Never used it since then. Can't think of anyone that uses Fortran today, but I'm sure there are some folks that do.
 
"Any Fortran software" basically means one needs to have handy:

1) a Fortran compiler (for producing executable program out of written code)

2) a text editor (for writing the code)

3) a command-line shell (for running the compiler and the program)

Unfortunately, I cannot tell which compiler to obtain and how to install and run it under a windows operating system, which I will assume that you and/or your friend are using barring no mention of it. Oddly, though, shouldn't the instructor have provided some recommendations himself?

--
Chusslove Illich (Часлав Илић)
 
caslav.ilic said:
shouldn't the instructor have provided some recommendations himself?

Or herself?
 
Q_Goest said:
I took Fortran 77 in college. That was over 20 years ago. Never used it since then. Can't think of anyone that uses Fortran today, but I'm sure there are some folks that do.
My company uses FORTRAN pretty heavily, especially in the areas of aerodynamics and cycle calculations. I personally don't use it though. I too took FORTRAN 77. It has been a while since making programs that tell you if a word is a palindrome.
 
Wikipedia has a good history of fortran for those interested.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortran"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hello to all,
I have windows XP and as I had to use Fortran 90 at University, I investigated about how to get Fortran on my home computer.
I've downloaded gfortran as compiler, Emacs as text editor and I make Fortran run under the "execute" windows command. All works perfectly and all is free.
If I remember well, I followed a link from the wikipedia page of Fortran to download, install and know the commands of how to execute Fortran programs.
Good luck.
 
I think I work with Fred, but anyways, I personally use VIM as my text editor. I prefer to do it in a native Linux environment, but Cygwin is a linux emulator which is nice. All free of course.

Likewise, I know a lot of people that like Notebook++ as a text editor. That will let you write the code. Then you need to compile the code into a working program. We use the free compiler g95, which is available at www.g95.org. That is free open-source, and there are installers for Windows.
 

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