Introduction
Fortran, short for Formula Translation, is a programming language developed in the 1950s by IBM for scientific and engineering calculations. Although it may not be as popular as modern languages like Python or Java, Fortran remains at the core of high-performance computing. As educators, it is essential to teach students about foundational programming languages like Fortran that have significantly influenced the world of computing and continue to have a strong presence in many industries.
In this article, we will cover various aspects of teaching Fortran to students: its significance, how to get started, engaging teaching methods, and useful resources.
1. The Importance of Fortran
Students may wonder why they should learn an older language like Fortran when modern languages dominate the programming world. It is crucial to impart the historical context of Fortran and highlight its importance today:
– Historical Significance: Fortran was the first high-level programming language and paved the way for other programming languages used today.
– Applications: Despite its age, Fortran remains an industry standard, particularly in fields like aerospace engineering, climate modeling, and computational physics where high-performance computing and precision are required.
– Performance: Fortran’s numerical computation capabilities continue to outperform many modern languages in certain areas.
– Legacy Code: A great deal of existing software is written in Fortran; learning the language equips students with the skills to maintain and evolve these programs.
2. Getting Started with Fortran
Introduce students to different versions (like FORTRAN 77, 90/95, 2003, and 2008) based on course objectives and expected outcomes. Emphasize the evolution of syntax and features over time:
– Begin with basic syntax like creating variables, loops, conditional statements, and arrays.
– Teach debugging techniques specific to Fortran that will help students identify issues more efficiently.
– Gradually introduce students to more advanced topics, including subroutines, modules, and parallel computing.
3. Engaging Teaching Methods
The most effective way to teach any programming language is through hands-on experience:
– Code-along Exercises: Allow students to follow the instructor as they demonstrate coding examples during lectures.
– Practical Assignments: Giving assignments focused on real-world applications of Fortran will help students recognize its usefulness and relevance in the field.
– Coding Workshops: Organize workshops or coding sessions where students can collaborate on small projects or problem sets, ultimately fostering teamwork and deepening understanding.
4. Valuable Resources for Learning Fortran
Here are some resources that educators can incorporate into their curriculum and recommend to their students:
– Online Tutorials: There are plenty of free online Fortran tutorials available, such as those offered by the National Center for Atmospheric Research and Fortran.com.
– Books: Find beginner-friendly Fortran books like ‘Beginning Modern Fortran’ or ‘Fortran 90/95 Explained.’
– Compiler Options: Introduce compilers such as gFortran, ifort (Intel), or pgfort (PGI) to your students.
– Forums and Communities: Direct students to online forums like Stack Overflow or participate in community discussions about Fortran, helping them learn from experienced programmers.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Fortran not only imparts valuable programming skills but also provides an important historical perspective on computing. By using engaging methods and drawing connections to real-world applications, educators can successfully teach this foundational language and shape well-rounded computer scientists poised for success in the industry.
