Fortran Which Fortran version to learn

  • Thread starter Thread starter Winzer
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fortran
Click For Summary
Fortran is a valuable language for computation in physics, and choosing the right version is crucial. While some suggest starting with Fortran 77 due to its simplicity, it's generally recommended to begin with Fortran 90 or later. Fortran 90 introduces features like array programming and object-oriented concepts, making it more suitable for modern applications and easier to debug compared to Fortran 77. The older version's reliance on common blocks and implicit variable declarations can lead to complications, particularly for beginners. Overall, Fortran 90 or newer versions are preferred for their advanced capabilities and better support for integration with Python.
Winzer
Messages
597
Reaction score
0
I have decided to learn Fortran over the summer. However there are various versions out there.
Which version would you recommend learning? I will be using Fortran for computation in physics
primarily. I will also be interfacing Python and Fortran together.
 
Technology news on Phys.org
This is not an unreasonable request is it?
Given the fortran versions: 77,90,95... which one would you recommmend?
Why would you recommend that particular version over any other?
 
I have just read that it easiest to start with fortran 77, then to work my way up from there.
The reason being that the newer versions have more sophisticated packages, etc.
Is this accurate?
 
I would say that there is no reason to start with anything older than Fortran 90. Fortran 90 starting going towards object-oriented programming, and quite frankly, if you try to debug anything written in F77, you'll quickly find yourself pulling your hair out.

Common blocks and implicit variable declaration will start you down a path you don't want to go.
 
Learn If you want to write code for Python Machine learning, AI Statistics/data analysis Scientific research Web application servers Some microcontrollers JavaScript/Node JS/TypeScript Web sites Web application servers C# Games (Unity) Consumer applications (Windows) Business applications C++ Games (Unreal Engine) Operating systems, device drivers Microcontrollers/embedded systems Consumer applications (Linux) Some more tips: Do not learn C++ (or any other dialect of C) as a...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
13K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 75 ·
3
Replies
75
Views
17K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K