Fortran in Modern Applications: Still Relevant in Legacy Code and High-Performance Computing

Despite being classified as an older programming language, Fortran is still widely used today, particularly in sectors that require high-performance computing and numerical analysis. This article explores the continued usage of Fortran by various organizations and specific companies, emphasizing its importance in modern technology and its role in advancing scientific research and complex simulations.

Why Fortran Remains Relevant

Fortran's longevity and continued relevance can be attributed to its exceptional performance capabilities and the vast amount of legacy code that still exists. While newer programming languages are often preferred for new projects, Fortran remains a critical tool in handling complex mathematical computations. The modern standards introduced in the 1990s have addressed syntax problems of older versions while maintaining Fortran's renowned processing speed. The 2015 standard and the upcoming 2020 standard ensure Fortran's continued evolution and relevance in the modern tech landscape.

Fortran in Research Institutions and Universities

Laboratories and universities continue to utilize Fortran for significant scientific research, especially in fields like physics, engineering, and computational chemistry. Organs of this nature include:

Fortran in Aerospace and Defense

Aerospace and defense companies often rely on Fortran for simulations and modeling due to its efficiency in numerical computation. Prominent organizations include:

Fortran in the Energy Sector

The energy sector uses Fortran extensively in simulations for oil and gas exploration as well as in nuclear energy. Major players in this field include:

Fortran in Weather and Climate Modeling

Organizations involved in meteorology and climate research often use Fortran for simulations, underpinning their predictive models. Key entities include:

Fortran in Financial Services

Some financial institutions use Fortran for quantitative analysis and risk management, particularly where legacy systems are involved. This includes:

Fortran in Government Agencies

Various government research and defense agencies continue to use Fortran for large-scale simulations and modeling, highlighting its significance in public sector applications. These include:

In 2017, Space Systems Loral developed brand new Fortran code to the 2008 standard, and they continually run Fortran code from ancient to modern, making it incredibly useful software. NASA itself held a competition to enhance their Fortran code in 2017, further demonstrating the continuous importance of Fortran in aerospace projects.

Hugely Complex Climate Models

Fortran is also the backbone of our weather forecasting service, with the US government using it in the development of complex climate models. This highlights Fortran's role in advancing scientific research and providing essential services to society.

In conclusion, Fortran's performance capabilities, efficiency in numerical computation, and the vast amount of existing legacy code make it a crucial tool in modern technological applications, particularly in high-performance computing and numerical analysis. Its continued development and use in various sectors demonstrate its enduring importance in the tech landscape.