stone@usfvax2.UUCP (Scott Stone) (07/11/87)
Here at the University of South Florida, we have been teaching an introductory
FORTRAN class for engineering students using personal computers (IBM &
Compatibles). We have found that the current version of fortran that we are
using is dated, and desire to find a fortran 77 version available. Since
there are a great number of people that take this class, we would like to
find a compiler that is inexpensive (or where a site license is negotiable).
Also, since the people taking this course are fairly naive PC users
(in most cases) a compiler that is simple and easy to use is desired.
Since there are constraints on time, and equipment, a compiler that
does very quick compilation is desired (no need for code optimization).
The instructor for this course desires to buy the latest version of
"Lahey fortran". I am interested in hearing from people who have had
specific experience (who have good/bad things to say) with(/about) Lahey
fortran, or any of the alternatives available. I understand that Microsoft
fortran does not require an 8087, and that all others do. Could someone
confirm/deny this? I have heard that Microsoft fortran is extremely
slow compiling (due to the excellent job of optimization that they do).
Is this true?
Perhaps there has been a magazine article written recently that compares
different current versions of fortran. If anyone knows of such, please
let me know.
I would also like to hear from individuals who have experience with, or
have seen fortran taught on the PC at other universities. What problems
were evident? Which compiler is used? Etc...
Please feel free to drop me a note, or call if you can help.
Thank you,
--
Scott T. Stone, University of South Florida, Tampa 33612 (813)974-3307
UUCP: {codas,gatech,ucf-cs}!usfvax2!stone
ARPA: stone%usf.edu@csnet-relay.ARPA CSNET: stone@usf.edu