F90 File – What is .f90 file and how to open it?

Overview of F90 Files

F90 files are source code files written in Fortran 90, a modern version of the Fortran programming language developed by an international committee. Fortran is a general-purpose, compiled language primarily used for scientific and engineering applications, including computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and quantum chemistry. F90 files contain instructions that define the program’s logic, data structures, and calculations.

Features of F90 Files

F90 files offer several advantages over previous versions of Fortran. They support object-oriented programming concepts, allowing programmers to create modular and reusable code. F90 also introduces new features such as dynamic memory allocation, improved array handling capabilities, and support for parallel processing. These features enhance the efficiency and flexibility of scientific and engineering applications. Additionally, F90 files are compatible with earlier versions of Fortran, ensuring code portability and legacy application support.

Usage and Applications

F90 files are primarily used in high-performance computing environments, where scientific and engineering simulations require efficient and accurate calculations. They are commonly found in various scientific and engineering disciplines, including astrophysics, computational chemistry, and oil and gas exploration. F90 files have also found applications in financial modeling and data analysis, where their numerical capabilities and performance advantages are highly valuable.

Opening F90 Files with Text Editors

F90 files can be opened and viewed using a text editor. These editors provide basic text manipulation capabilities and syntax highlighting for Fortran 90 code. Some popular text editors for opening F90 files include:

• Notepad++: A free and open-source text editor that supports syntax highlighting for various programming languages, including Fortran.
• Sublime Text: A paid text editor known for its powerful editing features and customizable interface.
• Atom: A free and open-source text editor with a wide range of plugins and themes available to enhance its functionality.

To open an F90 file in a text editor, simply navigate to the file’s location in the file explorer, right-click on the file, and select “Open with” or “Edit with” option. Then, choose the text editor that you prefer. Once opened, the F90 file will display the Fortran 90 code, which you can view and edit as needed.

Compiling and Running F90 Files

While text editors allow you to view and edit F90 code, they cannot compile and run the code. To compile and run F90 files, you need a Fortran compiler. A compiler translates the Fortran code into machine instructions that can be executed by your computer. Some popular Fortran compilers include:

• gfortran: A free and open-source compiler available for various platforms.
• Intel Fortran: A commercial compiler known for its high performance and optimization capabilities.
• NAG Fortran Compiler: A professional-grade compiler offering advanced features and support.

Once you have a Fortran compiler installed, you can compile an F90 file by using the compiler’s command-line interface. The specific command will vary depending on the compiler you are using. For example, in gfortran, you can compile an F90 file named “mycode.f90” by running the following command in the command prompt or terminal:


gfortran -o mycode mycode.f90


This command will create an executable file named “mycode” that contains the compiled code. You can then run the executable file to execute the Fortran program.

F90 File: Fortran 90 Source Code File

An F90 file stores the source code written in the Fortran 90 programming language. It contains human-readable instructions that define the program’s functionality, data structures, and algorithms. Fortran 90 is a powerful and versatile language widely used in scientific computing, engineering, and financial modeling. F90 files are plain text files that can be opened and edited with any text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) that supports Fortran programming.

Once the F90 file is created and edited, it needs to be compiled into an executable program. This process is typically performed using a Fortran compiler, which translates the source code into machine instructions that can be executed by the computer’s processor. The resulting executable program can then be run to perform the desired computations or tasks specified by the source code.

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