[net.unix-wizards] FORTRAN-to-C translator

ken (01/01/83)

Since Ed Reeder from Intel asked for a Ratfor-to-C translator, I thought I
would put out a request for a FORTARN-to-C translator. I realize that it is
theorectically possible to run "struct" on a fortran file, then use the
Ratfor-to-C translator, but I tried this once and the original Fortran
program compiled, but the Ratfor one did not.

Since most of the world's non-business code is written in Fortran, it would
be great to have a Fortran-to-C translator.  If one doesn't currently exist,
it would be an excellent project for a Master's thesis.

			Ken Turkowski
			CADLINC, Palo Alto
			{ucbvax|decvax}!decwrl!turtlevax!ken

bernie (01/11/83)

A major problem with a Fortran to C translator is that Fortran passes
arguments to functions by address, whereas C pass them by value.  Not
only does this require that you pass arguments as &arg instead of just
arg, it also means you have to keep track of which variable used in a
function are arguments to it, and consistently use *arg within the function
instead of just arg.  This is a nuisance!  Unfortunately, there's no way
around it.  (at least, I can't think of any).  Any Fortran program large
enough to justify automated translation is bound to have functions in it
that modify their arguments and expect the corresponding variables in the
caller to be modified as well.
                                  --Bernie Roehl
                           (...!decvax!watmath!watarts!bernie)