Difference Between FORTRAN and C: FORTRAN and C are two popular programming languages used in the field of scientific and engineering applications. The comparison of FORTRAN vs C or C vs FORTRAN has been an ongoing topic of discussion among programming enthusiasts. These languages differ in several aspects such as syntax, data types, control structures, and many others.
Differences between FORTRAN and C
In this article, we have explored the top 50 differences between FORTRAN and C, highlighting the significant differences that distinguish these two programming languages from each other. So, if you are interested in learning about the difference between FORTRAN and C, read on to discover more.
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FORTRAN Vs C | Comparison of FORTRAN and C
Acquire a comprehensive understanding of C and FORTRAN by going through this section.
What is C?
C is a general-purpose, high-level programming language that was originally developed in the 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs. It is a popular language for developing operating systems, device drivers, and other system software, as well as for creating applications in a wide range of domains. C has a relatively simple syntax, which allows for efficient coding and execution of programs. It is also known for its flexibility, as it allows programmers to manipulate memory and other system resources directly. C has continued to evolve over the years, with the latest standard being C18, and remains a widely used language in software development.
What is FORTRAN?
FORTRAN (short for Formula Translation) is a high-level programming language that was originally designed for scientific and engineering computations. It was created in the 1950s by a team of IBM programmers led by John Backus, and quickly became popular in the scientific and engineering communities due to its ability to handle complex mathematical computations with ease. FORTRAN has undergone many revisions over the years, with the latest version being FORTRAN 2018. Despite its age, it remains a popular language in scientific and engineering communities due to its strong support for numerical computations and scientific programming.
Top 50 Differences Between FORTRAN and C
FORTRAN and C are programming languages with significant differences in syntax, data types, and control structures. Check out this table below and get to know the Top 50 Differences Between FORTRAN and C.
| Sr. No. | FORTRAN | C |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fortran is a high-level programming language | C is a mid-level programming language |
| 2 | Fortran stands for “FORmula TRANslation” | C does not have any such abbreviation |
| 3 | Fortran was developed in the 1950s | C was developed in the 1970s |
| 4 | Fortran is primarily used in scientific computing | C is used in system programming and web development |
| 5 | Fortran has extensive support for numerical computations | C has limited support for numerical computations |
| 6 | Fortran uses implicit typing, where variables are declared based on their first letter | C uses explicit typing, where variables must be declared with a type |
| 7 | Fortran does not have a standard library, but has numerous extensions | C has a standard library with many built-in functions |
| 8 | Fortran has only one kind of loop, the DO loop | C has three kinds of loops: for, while, and do-while |
| 9 | Fortran uses a column-based structure for formatting code | C uses a free-form structure for formatting code |
| 10 | Fortran has built-in support for array operations | C requires the use of external libraries for array operations |
| 11 | Fortran has limited support for string manipulation | C has extensive support for string manipulation |
| 12 | Fortran is case-insensitive | C is case-sensitive |
| 13 | Fortran has a fixed format for input/output statements | C uses printf() and scanf() functions for input/output |
| 14 | Fortran does not support pointers | C supports pointers |
| 15 | Fortran does not have a preprocessor | C has a preprocessor for macros and conditional compilation |
| 16 | Fortran uses common blocks for sharing variables between subroutines | C uses function parameters for sharing variables between functions |
| 17 | Fortran does not support structures | C supports structures |
| 18 | Fortran does not support function overloading | C supports function overloading |
| 19 | Fortran does not have a bool data type | C has a bool data type |
| 20 | Fortran uses EQUIVALENCE statement to alias variables | C uses pointers for aliasing variables |
| 21 | Fortran does not have an equivalent of the switch statement | C has a switch statement for multi-way branching |
| 22 | Fortran has only one kind of conditional statement, the IF statement | C has two kinds of conditional statements: if-else and switch |
| 23 | Fortran does not have a concept of dynamic memory allocation | C has a concept of dynamic memory allocation through malloc() and free() functions |
| 24 | Fortran has only one kind of subroutine, the SUBROUTINE | C has two kinds of subroutines: functions and void functions |
| 25 | Fortran has only one kind of function, the FUNCTION | C has two kinds of functions: return and void functions |
| 26 | Fortran has a GOTO statement for unconditional branching | C has a goto statement for unconditional branching |
| 27 | Fortran has limited support for modular programming | C has extensive support for modular programming through header files |
| 28 | Fortran does not support inline functions | C supports inline functions for small and frequently used code |
| 29 | Fortran supports complex data type for complex numbers | C does not have built-in support for complex numbers |
| 30 | Fortran uses a common block to share data between subroutines | C uses function arguments to share data between functions |
| 31 | Fortran uses a CHARACTER data type for character strings | C uses the char data type for character strings |
| 32 | Fortran has a limited number of intrinsic functions | C has a large number of built-in functions |
| 33 | Fortran has no equivalent of the NULL keyword | C has the NULL keyword to represent a null pointer |
| 34 | Fortran does not support object-oriented programming | C supports object-oriented programming through C++ and other extensions |
| 35 | Fortran does not have a concept of namespaces | C has a concept of namespaces to avoid naming conflicts |
| 36 | Fortran supports parallel programming through OpenMP | C supports parallel programming through OpenMP and other libraries |
| 37 | Fortran has only one kind of array, static arrays | C has static and dynamic arrays |
| 38 | Fortran has limited support for bitwise operations | C has extensive support for bitwise operations |
| 39 | Fortran does not support operator overloading | C supports operator overloading |
| 40 | Fortran has a limited number of data types | C has a large number of data types |
| 41 | Fortran has a limited number of control structures | C has a large number of control structures |
| 42 | Fortran supports recursion, but it has some limitations | C supports recursion without any limitations |
| 43 | Fortran does not support anonymous functions | C supports anonymous functions through lambda expressions |
| 44 | Fortran has a limited number of input/output formats | C has a large number of input/output formats |
| 45 | Fortran has a limited number of formatting options | C has a large number of formatting options |
| 46 | Fortran has a limited number of standard libraries | C has a large number of standard libraries |
| 47 | Fortran is not widely used in web development | C is widely used in web development |
| 48 | Fortran has a limited number of frameworks | C has a large number of frameworks |
| 49 | Fortran has limited support for graphics and GUI programming | C has extensive support for graphics and GUI programming |
| 50 | Fortran has limited support for networking and web programming | C has extensive support for networking and web programming |
Conclusion: C Vs FORTRAN
The differences between FORTRAN and C are significant, and understanding them is crucial for programming enthusiasts in scientific and engineering fields. This article has explored the top 50 differences between these two programming languages, highlighting their unique features and functionalities. Whether you are an experienced programmer or a beginner, knowing the differences between FORTRAN and C can help you make informed decisions while choosing the best language for your project. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in these programming languages, you can maximize their potential and create innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of the modern world.
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