Is Fortran Still Relevant? Comparing Fortran with Java and C++

This paper presents a comparative study to evaluate and compare Fortran with the two most popular programming languages Java and C++. Fortran has gone through major and minor extensions in the years 2003 and 2008. (1) How much have these extensions made Fortran comparable to Java and C++? (2) What are the differences and similarities, in supporting features like: Templates, object constructors and destructors, abstract data types and dynamic binding? These are the main questions we are trying to answer in this study. An object-oriented ray tracing application is implemented in these three languages to compare them. By using only one program we ensured there was only one set of requirements thus making the comparison homogeneous. Based on our literature survey this is the first study carried out to compare these languages by applying software metrics to the ray tracing application and comparing these results with the similarities and differences found in practice. We motivate the language implementers and compiler developers, by providing binary analysis and profiling of the application, to improve Fortran object handling and processing, and hence making it more prolific and general. This study facilitates and encourages the reader to further explore, study and use these languages more effectively and productively, especially Fortran.

💡 Research Summary

This paper presents a comparative study to evaluate and compare Fortran with Java and C++. The focus is on how the major extensions in 2003 and 2008 have modernized Fortran, particularly in terms of support for features such as templates, object constructors and destructors, abstract data types, and dynamic binding. A ray tracing application was implemented in all three languages to provide a homogeneous comparison based on a single set of requirements.

The study reveals that while Fortran has made significant strides towards modernization through these extensions, it still lags behind Java and C++ in certain advanced features like templates and dynamic binding. However, the improvements have narrowed the gap between Fortran and its more contemporary counterparts.

By analyzing binary data and profiling the application across all three languages, the researchers provide insights that can help language implementers and compiler developers improve Fortran’s object handling and processing capabilities. This study not only highlights the current state of Fortran but also encourages further exploration and productive use of these programming languages, with a particular emphasis on enhancing Fortran’s utility.

The comprehensive analysis includes software metrics applied to the ray tracing application, which are compared against practical findings to provide a thorough understanding of each language’s strengths and weaknesses. This approach facilitates a deeper insight into how Fortran can be further modernized and made more prolific in various applications.