Question

Match the software or software concepts listed to the appropriate generation. A. First B. Second C. Third D. Fourth E. Fifth FORTRAN

Short answer

FORTRAN belongs to the Third generation.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Characteristics of FORTRAN

FORTRAN, which stands for FORmula TRANslation, is a high-level programming language primarily used for scientific and engineering computations. Developed in the 1950s, it was one of the first widely adopted high-level languages.

Relate FORTRAN to the Correct Generation

Review the characteristics of computer generations: the first generation was based on machine language, the second generation introduced assembly language, the third generation involved high-level programming languages, and the fourth and fifth generations introduced more advanced languages and concepts, including logic programming. FORTRAN, being one of the earliest high-level programming languages, fits into the third generation of computer software.

Key concepts

Computer Generations

Computer generations mark significant milestones in computing history. Each generation represents technological advancements and innovations. The development of software and hardware occurs in these distinct phases.
The first generation of computers (1940-1956) relied on vacuum tubes for circuitry and used machine language for programming. These computers were large and expensive.
The second generation (1956-1963) saw the introduction of transistors, making computers smaller and faster. Assembly language, a low-level programming language, offered improved programming efficiency.
The third generation (1964-1971) featured integrated circuits, which allowed for even smaller and more powerful computers. This generation introduced high-level programming languages, enabling programmers to write code that was easier to understand and maintain.
The fourth generation (1971-present) saw the development of microprocessors, further decreasing the size of computers while boosting power. Innovations in user-friendly software and programming languages, including object-oriented programming, emerged during this period.
The fifth generation (present and beyond) focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning. This generation aims to create computers that can process natural language and learn from experiences through advanced algorithms.

• Vacuum tubes and machine language in the first generation
• Transistors and assembly language in the second generation
• Integrated circuits and high-level programming in the third generation
• Microprocessors in the fourth generation
• AI and machine learning in the fifth generation

FORTRAN

FORTRAN, or FORmula TRANslation, is a crucial part of software history. It was developed by IBM in the 1950s and became one of the first widely used high-level programming languages. Its primary purpose was to perform scientific and engineering calculations, which demand precise and fast computations.
FORTRAN revolutionized programming by allowing statements closer to human language and mathematical formulas, thus making code easier to write and understand. Before FORTRAN, programmers used low-level machine or assembly languages, which were complex and time-consuming.
Besides, FORTRAN's efficiency in handling numerical computation made it favorable in many scientific applications. Its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly was particularly beneficial in fields such as physics, chemistry, and meteorology, where complex calculations are frequent.

• One of the earliest high-level languages
• Developed for scientific and engineering calculations
• Replaced complex low-level languages
• Still used today, especially in scientific fields

High-Level Programming

High-level programming languages are designed to simplify the programming process. They allow programmers to write instructions in a way that resembles human language or mathematical notation, providing a significant abstraction from the computer's hardware.
This abstraction makes programs easier to read, write, and maintain. Unlike low-level languages, which are specific to a computer's architecture, high-level languages are portable across multiple platforms.
FORTRAN is an early example of a high-level language. It allowed scientists and engineers to use computers effectively without needing to understand hardware-specific details. The advent of high-level languages transformed programming, increasing accessibility and efficiency.

• Easier to read and write than low-level languages
• Abstracts away hardware details
• Portable across different computing platforms
• Includes languages like FORTRAN, Java, Python

Scientific Computation

Scientific computation involves using computing power to solve scientific, mathematical, and engineering problems. This field requires handling complex calculations and processing large datasets efficiently.
High-level programming languages like FORTRAN have been pivotal in this area. FORTRAN's ability to handle numerical and formulaic expressions naturally made it a go-to choice for scientists. It facilitated precise numerical analysis and simulation, essential for experiments and research in various scientific domains.
The importance of scientific computation is ever-growing, with applications ranging from weather forecasting to aerospace simulations, and even in bioinformatics. FORTRAN, despite being developed decades ago, remains relevant due to its strong handling of numerical data and computation-heavy processes.

• Involves large-scale numerical and data calculations
• Crucial in fields like physics, chemistry, and biology
• Languages like FORTRAN aid in handling complex calculations
• Supports simulation and modeling for experiments