>>
>>ROGER GLOVER <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>
>>> [log in to unmask] wrote:
>>
>>> > Fortran faces extinction threats from C/C++ and Java
>>
>>> Possibly true.
>>
>>I agree, although given what I see in this newsgroup, I'll
>>make book on the extinction of Fortran at 10:1 odds.
>>
>>> > Fortran exists only on account of people over 40
>>
>>> I seriously doubt that.
>>
>>We can settle this quite easily.  Does ANYBODY know of an
>>under-30 programmer who GIVEN A CHOICE would prefer Fortran
>>over the 'sexier' languages around ??
>>

it depends on the problem. i work at king's college
london and provide support for a number of programming
languages. i know of a research post grad in physics 
who spent the first year doing his phd using c++.
his professor wants all programming to be c+ based.

when another pg joined and he saw what he was doing with
f90 and the whole array facilities he gave up using c++.

he faced stiff resistence from his prof.

he likes c++, but for his phd he has said it isn't
the right choice. 

he has a sideline writing visual basic stuff
on the pc. 

the right tool for the job again.

>>

lots deleted.

>>I'll bet you a dollar to a donut that Fortran was the better
>>language to implement the core of all these applications - but
>>
>>(1) Fortran's 'Jurassic" reputation
>>

perception of fortran is essentially that of the
original language from the 50's.  it is difficult
to argue with 40 year old engineering practices.
i like old cars but i'd prefer power assisted steering,
cruise control etc.

we do have a problem educating people about fortran 90.

>>(2) Young professionals' career concerns (seen any ads for Fortran
>>programmers lately )
>>

it isn't possible to solve all problems with one
language. i think it is worthwhile for future generations of
scientists to be taught more than one language. i teach 
fortran 90 as the base grounding in programming, and also teach
c++ and java. 

this year i'm teaching f90 to 1st year mech eng and physics,
and c++ to 2nd year mech eng, and two msc courses, one computer science
and one elec eng.

lost more deleted

ian chivers
king's college london



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