One question related to FORTRAN.?
VerifiedAnswer: Programming Language
Explanation:
FORTRAN is indeed a programming language, and it holds a very special place in the history of computer programming. The name FORTRAN stands for "Formula Translation," which perfectly describes its original purpose - to translate mathematical formulas into computer instructions.
Developed by IBM in the 1950s, FORTRAN was one of the first high-level programming languages ever created. Before FORTRAN, programmers had to write code in assembly language or machine language, which was extremely difficult and time-consuming. FORTRAN revolutionized programming by allowing scientists and engineers to write programs using mathematical expressions that were much closer to natural mathematical notation.
The language was specifically designed for scientific and engineering calculations, making it perfect for solving complex mathematical problems. Its strength lies in handling numerical computations, arrays, and mathematical functions with great efficiency. This is why FORTRAN became extremely popular in fields like physics, chemistry, astronomy, and engineering.
Key characteristics of FORTRAN include:
• Excellent performance for numerical computations • Strong support for arrays and mathematical operations • Compile-time optimization capabilities • Extensive library of mathematical functions • Cross-platform compatibility
Over the decades, FORTRAN has evolved through many versions - from FORTRAN I in 1957 to modern versions like Fortran 2018. Each version added new features while maintaining the language's core strength in mathematical computing. Despite being over 65 years old, FORTRAN remains actively used today in high-performance computing, weather prediction, climate modeling, and scientific research.
Many supercomputers and research institutions still rely on FORTRAN because of its exceptional efficiency in handling large-scale numerical calculations. The language's longevity and continued relevance demonstrate its fundamental importance in the world of scientific computing and its rightful place as a foundational programming language.
