F77 File – What is .f77 file and how to open it?
F77 File Extension
Fortran 77 Source Code File – file format by X3J3
F77 is a file extension for a Fortran 77 source code file developed by X3J3. It contains the source code for a Fortran 77 program, which can be compiled to create an executable file.
Definition of an F77 File
An F77 file is a text file that contains source code written in the Fortran 77 programming language. Fortran 77, developed in 1978, is a high-level, general-purpose programming language designed for numerical and scientific computing. F77 files provide instructions for the compiler to convert the source code into an executable program. These programs are commonly used in scientific and engineering applications, such as simulations, data analysis, and mathematical modeling.
Characteristics and Usage
F77 files typically have a .f77 or .f extension and are organized into a structured format. They consist of statements that define variables, data structures, functions, and control flow. Fortran 77 supports a wide range of data types, operators, and control structures, enabling the development of complex and efficient programs. F77 files are commonly used as input to Fortran compilers, which convert the source code into machine-readable code for execution. Compiling and executing F77 files can be done using various Fortran development environments and compilers, such as gfortran or Intel Fortran.
Programs to Open F77 Files
F77 files are source code files written in the Fortran 77 programming language. To open and edit these files, you need a text editor or an integrated development environment (IDE) that supports Fortran 77. Some common software options include:
- Text editors: Notepad++, Sublime Text, Atom
- IDEs: Eclipse (with Fortran plugin), Visual Studio (with Fortran extension), IntelliJ IDEA (with Fortran plugin)
These programs allow you to view, edit, and save F77 files, providing syntax highlighting and code completion features. Additionally, IDEs often offer debugging tools, project management capabilities, and integration with other development tools.
Compiling F77 Files
Once you have opened an F77 file, you need to compile it to generate an executable program. This process translates the Fortran code into machine instructions that can be executed by your computer. To compile F77 files, you can use a Fortran compiler such as:
- GNU Fortran Compiler (gfortran)
- Intel Fortran Compiler
- Portland Group Fortran Compiler
These compilers take the F77 source code as input and produce an object file or executable file. The object file can be linked with other object files and libraries to create a final executable program. By compiling F77 files, you can create software applications and scientific simulations using the Fortran language.
File Format and Usage
F77 files contain source code written in Fortran 77, a programming language developed in the 1970s. It is a high-level language primarily used for scientific and numerical computing. F77 files are plain text files and typically contain a series of modules, subroutines, and functions. Each module defines a specific task or set of procedures, and they are combined to create a larger program. F77 files are notable for their structured syntax, which uses keywords, operators, and statements to define the program logic.
Historical Significance and Evolution
Fortran 77 was a significant advancement in the Fortran language, introducing new features and capabilities. It became the dominant version of Fortran used in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the development of Fortran continued, and subsequent versions, such as Fortran 90, Fortran 95, and Fortran 2003, were released with additional enhancements and capabilities. While F77 files are still used in legacy applications, they have largely been replaced by newer versions of Fortran. F77 files remain an important part of the programming heritage, providing insights into the evolution of scientific computing and the history of programming languages.