C/C++ and Fortran

Originally posted by: dr.dave

 If you don't already have access to the IBM XL Fortran compiler, you'll no doubt want to try it out. You can either download a free trial version (for AIX or for Linux) and use it for sixty (60) days, or you can try it in our sandbox. The sandbox allows you to access an AIX or Linux system through a Citrix client (for those unfamiliar with it, it's a simulation of a Windows environment accessible over the web - I know it sounds slow, but believe me when I say you won't really notice any performance degradation). You won't then need to download the compiler, and you can try out some of the other trials we have, like RDp, Web 2.0 and SOA applications, the C/C++ compiler, Cobol, and others.

On the sandbox page, you will find links to several "scripted, hands on exercises" (under the heading "Optimize server performance and programmer productivity with IBM compilers"). They're a little hard to find in all the clutter, so here's a list of them, with a brief description of each:

• Enhanced performance with new XL C/C++ and Fortran compilers: Why you want to install the latest version of the compiler - it's even faster (if that's possible)
  
• Explore auto-vectorization: Some Power architectures have vector (SIMD) hardware built in - make the best use of it by learning what option settings are best
  
• Discover uninitialized floating point and integer variables: A common error for beginner and professional alike is to forget to initialise variables. Let the compiler help you find these mistakes!
  
• Interoperability of IBM XL Fortran, IBM XL C/C++, and Java: How the Fortran compiler can make friends with C/C++ and Java, allowing you to use the scientific and mathematical power of Fortran while interfacing with C and taking advantage of the powerful GUI available from Java (or linking it to a web server). This is my favourite of the four, but it's my work, so I'm biased.
  

David Forster
IBM XL Fortran Validation Team Member