Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site mdivax1.UUCP Path: utzoo!utcsri!ubc-vision!mdivax1!kenward From: kenward@mdivax1.UUCP (kenward) Newsgroups: net.lang.f77,net.unix,net.unix-wizards,net.lang Subject: Re: Any decent Fortrans under Unix ? Which machine ? Message-ID: <197@mdivax1.UUCP> Date: Thu, 27-Feb-86 12:17:31 EST Article-I.D.: mdivax1.197 Posted: Thu Feb 27 12:17:31 1986 Date-Received: Fri, 28-Feb-86 13:47:20 EST References: <173@cybavax.UUCP> <3274@sun.uucp>, <518@ho95e.UUCP> Organization: Mobile Data International Inc., Rich., B.C., Canada Lines: 48 <> I object to the idea that "really good libraries" are the only, or even the main requirement for good Fortran software support. Particullarily when discussing UNIX f77. First of all, a good, reliable, fully documented compiler is required. The very basic software support needed is good error checking, and intelligible error reporting at compile time and run time! ("snark (magic2) compiler error" just doen't cut it) Then there is the question of a good environment -- good, *user friendly*, edit-compile-run-debug support. UNIX f77 just doesn't have it. VAX VMS Fortran does. In addition, the compiler should have a reliable, working optimizer, and the resultant code should execute at an acceptable MIPS. Many such Fortran optimizing compilers are currently available (VAX VMS, Perkin Elmer Fortran 77, MTS Fortran H, and there definitely many more I am not familiar with). With the availability of superminis like those produced by DEC, Gould, or Prime, Perkin-Elmer, acceptable hardware performance can be obtained without buying a "Cray". Last of all, good library support -- at the Fortran source level -- beginning with fundamental things like good I/O support (ie: parallel I/O, buffered I/O). While it is a *pain*, it is usually easier to write a numerical routine from scratch than it is to try and write high level support for things like parallel I/O. IMSL is a luxury. Just some thoughts, and certainly not the whole picture, but I hope you get the gist of what I am trying to put across. *** Disclaimer: MDI wishes to inform anyone who would dare ask that they have NEVER heard of me! *** -- Gary W. Kenward Mobile Data International Inc. Riverside Industrial Park Richmond, B.C. Canada V7A 4Z3 Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SNAP! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<