Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!spool.mu.edu!munnari.oz.au!metro!seagoon.newcastle.edu.au!cc.newcastle.edu.au!cegrw
From: cegrw@cc.newcastle.edu.au
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer
Subject: FORTRAN compiler summary
Message-ID: <1991Mar8.145226.9698@cc.newcastle.edu.au>
Date: 8 Mar 91 04:52:26 GMT
Organization: University of Newcastle, AUSTRALIA
Lines: 36

The general consensus of FORTRAN compilers is that

1. Absoft's MacFORTRAN II is about 20-30% faster on real codes (as opposed to 
benchmarks) than V2.1 of Language Systems FORTRAN. Some small tight loops may 
optimise better up to 50%. However, anocdotal evidence says that compile times 
are significantly longer for MACFORTRAN II (up to 10 times slower). With 
nooptimisation selected MACFORTRAN II was still faster but the speed of 
compilation differential was smaller. Language Systems themselves admitted to 
this differential but said that the next version will incorporate more 
optimisation. No comments on the size of executable code.

2. No significant comments came in comparing the TTY emulating windows that 
both provide but some suggested that Language Systems FORTRAN was easier to use 
and extend.

3. The VAX compatability of Language Systems FORTRAN was seen to be a superior 
point. Both compilers were seen to be bug free (unlike ABSoft's stand alone 
MACFortran/020 V2.4 which one reply described as a bug-ridden-port-from-hell 
which from my own experience is ungenerous but fairly true).

4. MacFORTRAN II is considerably more expensive than Language Systems and can 
not be bought without MPW.

5. No comments were made on SADE compatability of either compiler.

6. In Australia at least, technical support for both compilers is 
unsatisfactory.

The general concensus was that Language Systems was the more useful compiler
and better value though with the advent MacFORTRAN II the situation is no
longer as clear cut as before.

Dr Garry Willgoose
Dept of Civil Engineering and Surveying
University of Newcastle, NSW, 2308
AUSTRALIA.