# Fortran

> general-purpose programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q83303](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q83303)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortran)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fortran

## Summary
Fortran is a general-purpose programming language designed for numerical and scientific computing. First developed in 1957 by IBM, it was created by John Backus and his team to simplify programming for scientific calculations. Fortran remains widely used in high-performance computing, particularly in fields like physics, engineering, and data analysis.

## Key Facts
- **First released in 1957** by IBM, developed by John Backus and his team.
- **Named "Formula Translating System"** (FORTRAN) for its focus on mathematical formulas.
- **Primary use**: Numerical and scientific computing, particularly in physics, engineering, and data analysis.
- **Key versions**: Fortran 77, Fortran 90, Fortran 95, Fortran 2003, Fortran 2008, and Fortran 2023.
- **Programming paradigms**: Imperative, procedural, structured, object-based, and array programming.
- **File extensions**: `.f`, `.for`, `.f90` for source code.
- **Standardized by ISO/IEC 1539** for language specifications.
- **Compiled by GNU Fortran** and other compilers for modern use.
- **Competes with languages like APL, ALGOL, MATLAB, and Python** in scientific computing.

## FAQs
### Q: What does "Fortran" stand for?
A: Fortran originally stood for "Formula Translating System," reflecting its design for translating mathematical formulas into machine code.

### Q: Who created Fortran?
A: Fortran was created by John Backus and his team at IBM in 1957.

### Q: What is Fortran used for today?
A: Fortran is primarily used in high-performance computing, scientific simulations, and numerical analysis, particularly in fields like physics, engineering, and data analysis.

### Q: How does Fortran compare to Python?
A: Fortran is optimized for numerical computing and scientific simulations, while Python is more versatile for general-purpose programming and data analysis.

### Q: Is Fortran still relevant in modern computing?
A: Yes, Fortran remains relevant for performance-critical applications, especially in scientific research and engineering simulations.

## Why It Matters
Fortran was one of the first high-level programming languages, revolutionizing scientific computing by making it easier to write complex mathematical algorithms. Its focus on numerical calculations made it indispensable in fields like physics, engineering, and meteorology. Despite the rise of newer languages, Fortran’s efficiency and performance advantages ensure its continued use in high-performance computing. It remains a cornerstone of scientific research and engineering simulations, demonstrating the enduring value of early computing innovations.

## Notable For
- **First high-level programming language** for scientific computing, simplifying mathematical formula translation.
- **Standardized by ISO/IEC 1539**, ensuring consistent language specifications.
- **Used in critical scientific applications**, including physics simulations and engineering calculations.
- **Competed with APL, ALGOL, and MATLAB** in numerical computing, maintaining dominance in high-performance fields.
- **Supported by GNU Fortran**, enabling modern compilation and development.

## Body
### Origins and Development
Fortran was developed in 1957 by IBM under the leadership of John Backus. The project, initially called the "Formula Translating System," aimed to simplify programming for scientific calculations. Backus and his team designed Fortran to translate mathematical formulas into machine code, making it easier to write complex algorithms. The first version, FORTRAN I, was released in 1957 and quickly became essential for scientific computing.

### Key Versions and Evolution
Fortran has undergone several major revisions, each introducing new features and improvements. Fortran 77 standardized the language, while Fortran 90 introduced modern features like dynamic memory allocation. Subsequent versions, including Fortran 2003 and Fortran 2008, added object-oriented and array programming capabilities. The latest version, Fortran 2023, continues to evolve with modern programming features.

### Programming Paradigms
Fortran supports multiple programming paradigms, including imperative, procedural, structured, object-based, and array programming. Its array programming capabilities make it particularly suited for numerical and scientific computing. The language’s strong typing and manifest typing discipline ensure robust and efficient code execution.

### Applications and Competitors
Fortran is widely used in high-performance computing, scientific simulations, and numerical analysis. It competes with languages like APL, ALGOL, MATLAB, and Python in scientific computing. Fortran’s efficiency and performance advantages make it a preferred choice for performance-critical applications.

### Standardization and Modern Use
Fortran is standardized by ISO/IEC 1539, ensuring consistent language specifications. Modern compilers like GNU Fortran enable Fortran’s use in contemporary software development. The language’s continued relevance in scientific research and engineering demonstrates its enduring value in computing.

## Schema Markup
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## References

1. [Source](http://www.softwarepreservation.org/projects/FORTRAN/)
2. [History of FORTRAN I, II, and III. Journal of the ACM. 1981](http://www.softwarepreservation.org/projects/FORTRAN/paper/p25-backus.pdf)
3. [Source](https://marketplace.sshopencloud.eu/tool-or-service/piir0h)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://wg5-fortran.org/f2023.html)
6. BBC Things
7. BabelNet
8. National Library of Israel
9. KBpedia
10. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)