Reston
Town meeting
8/22-24/2000
Person(s)
Assigned: Nelson Williams, Kate Flynn, and Arlen
Harbaugh
Description
of Action Item: Recommendation for the Lahey FORTRAN
compiler needed on the NT TAC web page.
Recommendation would include the current version, where to go to get the version, and how to get the version. DIS FORTRAN help group to keep the information up to date.
Discussions have been held with Sam Martinez, Todd Augenstein, and Michele Crouse regarding this issue. This was primarily to make certain we weren’t duplicating the efforts of the NT TAC.
Both Sam and Todd reported that there have been no recommendations made by NT TAC for programming languages or tools. Todd recommended using Microsoft Visual Basic for general programming tasks. However, he conceded that there are many legacy programs written in Fortran that still need support.
Arlen pointed out that although there are many legacy programs to be maintained, there are also many compelling reasons to write new software in Fortran.
Given the potential for controversy, there probably shouldn’t be a blanket statement on the NT TAC web pages favoring one programming language over another.
No one raised objections to Lahey Fortran being recommended as a standard compiler for the Windows NT/2000 operating system.
Dan Winkless is currently a technical lead for the DIS Fortran Help group. However, Dan uses the Digital Visual Fortran compiler for the Windows NT platform. Hence, if CPAC does formally recommend Lahey Fortran as a standard compiler, then CPAC should coordinate finding funds to purchase a license for Dan.
The following should be submitted to NT TAC for inclusion on their web pages, linked in their left-hand margin frame under “Development -> Programming Languages” –
Lahey Fortran LF 95 PRO v5.6 is the recommended Fortran compiler for the Windows NT/2000 operating system. This development package costs $795 via open market.
For Fortran applications that use the
Graphical Kernel System (GKS) standard for graphics, the Interacter v4.30
multi-platform user interface and graphics library may be useful. The Hydrologic Analysis Software Support
(HASS) Program can provide a library of routines that will convert many GKS
calls to Interacter graphics calls. If
you have an application that uses GKS, contact HASS to see if this library can
be used with your application. This package costs an additional $675 via open
market.
Currently, there is no blanket purchase agreement for Lahey Fortran. LF95 PRO can be purchased directly from Lahey by calling (800) 548-4778.
General information on Lahey Fortran is available at their website – http://www.lahey.com/
Updated: October 23, 2000.