Collected Fortran Wisdom

Most users of g77 can be divided into two camps:

• Those writing new Fortran code to be compiled by g77.
• Those using g77 to compile existing, "legacy" code.

Users writing new code generally understand most of the necessary aspects of Fortran to write "mainstream" code, but often need help deciding how to handle problems, such as the construction of libraries containing BLOCK DATA.

Users dealing with "legacy" code sometimes don't have much experience with Fortran, but believe that the code they're compiling already works when compiled by other compilers (and might not understand why, as is sometimes the case, it doesn't work when compiled by g77).

The following information is designed to help users do a better job coping with existing, "legacy" Fortran code, and with writing new code as well.

• Advantages Over f2c: If f2c is so great, why g77?
• Block Data and Libraries: How g77 solves a common problem.
• Loops: Fortran DO loops surprise many people.
• Working Programs: Getting programs to work should be done first.
• Overly Convenient Options: Temptations to avoid, habits to not form.
• Faster Programs: Everybody wants these, but at what cost?

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