MJP@vaxb.roe.ac.uk (06/16/89)
Does anyone yet have any details of forthcoming VAX Fortran compilers for the Transputer? I've heard that there may be a VAX-hosted cross- compiler this year, and maybe a native version next year. Inmos and 3L seem the most likely contenders, but I don't know for sure. And, yes, I know it's a horrible thought, but with 30 or 40 staff years' investment in the software, I'd rather port than see a re-write! Cheers, Magnus Paterson MJP@UK.AC.ROE.VAXB Royal Observatory MJP@UK.AC.ROE.STAR Edinburgh
MJP@cosmos.roe.ac.uk ("Magnus Paterson - Royal Observatory, Edinburgh") (05/28/91)
Inmos are producing their own Fortran compiler, and I believe that is an extended version; it certainly goes beyond F77, and may be milspec. However, the compiler can't handle the records and data structures which many of us have been using in VAX Fortran, and that makes porting your 10^n lines of code a bit tricky. ( I know, because they've already made an attempt at ours. ) ALL IS NOT LOST! I believe that there is still time to get Inmos to upgrade the specification of their Fortran. If you have made use of the VAX extensions to Fortran, and would like to be able to port your code, then write to Stephen Doyle at Inmos, Bristol, or get in touch with your local office or distributor explaining why you need data structures and records. Given the other platforms capable of handling VAX code, Inmos would be plain daft not to provide potential customers with a path for porting their favourite programs. Cheers, Magnus Paterson cbs%uk.ac.roe.cosmos::mjp Royal Observatory cbs%uk.ac.roe.star::mjp Blackford Hill Edinburgh ph. 031-668-8247