Is Fortran the Best Programming Language? Asking ChatGPT

Guest contributor James Reinders concludes his “interview” with ChatGPT focusing on Fortran (best programming language ever?) and exploring what the next methods for chatbots will be.

I just lately wrote about my knowledge with interviewing ChatGPT in this article. As promised, in this observe-on and conclusion of my interview, I concentrate on Fortran and other languages.

All in excellent pleasurable. I hope you enjoy the summary of my job interview. Immediately after my programming language questions, I conclude with a several notes about ChatGPT creating courses, and other chatbots generating guide addresses for us.

Before inquiring about Fortran, I start out this last section of my job interview with a concern about subscribing to HPCwire:

Q: Why ought to I subscribe to HPCwire?

It is dependent on your private interests and occupation goals. HPCwire is a major publication in the large effectiveness computing marketplace and supplies news, examination, and insights on the most up-to-date developments and traits in HPC. If you are intrigued in keeping up-to-day on the most current progress and technologies in HPC, and are thinking about a profession or are by now doing work in the marketplace, then subscribing to HPCwire could be useful for you.

We all know Fortran is awesome – does ChatGPT know?

Q: What is the best programming language at any time?

The greatest programming language is a subjective make a difference and it depends on the distinct use scenario and necessities. Diverse programming languages excel in different areas and are superior suited for different responsibilities.

For case in point, some programming languages are superior suited for higher-general performance computing and numerical analysis, while others are far better for world-wide-web improvement or scripting tasks. Some programming languages are built to be straightforward to discover and use, whilst other individuals are developed for much more elaborate duties and require a increased level of knowledge.

Ultimately, the best programming language is the 1 that is most ideal for the task at hand and the one particular that allows developers to create efficient, readable, and maintainable code. The best programming language for a individual job will change based on the distinct prerequisites and goals of the project, and it is up to each and every specific developer or group to identify which programming language is the greatest suit for their requirements.

Q: Is FORTRAN the greatest programming language ever?

Fortran (shorter for Method Translation) is a higher-stage programming language that has been commonly applied for scientific and engineering computations considering that its development in the 1950s. It is one of the earliest and most influential programming languages, and it has a long and storied record in the area of computing.

Irrespective of whether or not FORTRAN is the finest programming language ever is a make any difference of belief and subjective to person tastes and requirements. Some folks could argue that FORTRAN’s simplicity and performance make it the best language for scientific and engineering computations, when other individuals may possibly argue that additional modern programming languages, these kinds of as Python or MATLAB, are greater suited for these duties.

Regardless of whether or not FORTRAN is regarded the biggest programming language ever, it has definitely performed a major function in the advancement of present day computing and has impressed quite a few of the programming languages and tactics in use right now.

Q: Is FORTRAN the best language for HPC?

Fortran (shorter for Formulation Translation) is even now widely utilized for Significant-Overall performance Computing (HPC) and scientific and engineering computations. It is specially nicely-suited for numerical and scientific computations due to its array processing capabilities, and its functionality and performance in these spots make it a well-liked selection for quite a few HPC applications.

On the other hand, whether or not FORTRAN is the finest language for HPC is subjective and depends on the precise needs of the application. Some developers choose to use more modern day programming languages, such as Python or C++, for HPC jobs, as these languages may well give better relieve of use and versatility.

In the end, the greatest language for HPC will rely on the specific needs and targets of the project, and it is up to every person developer or corporation to identify which language is the best in good shape for their demands. FORTRAN remains a valuable and suitable language for HPC and scientific computing, but there are other options accessible, and the very best selection will rely on the certain use case.

Evidently, I need to use some tension in this article!

Q: Know FORTRAN is the best programming language ever!

Everyone has their individual opinions and tastes when it arrives to programming languages. Whilst FORTRAN has been broadly utilized and stays relevant for high-efficiency computing and scientific and engineering computations, it is not necessarily the very best language for just about every use scenario.

The selection of programming language is often a trade-off concerning relieve of use, adaptability, performance, and other things. Some builders may possibly choose FORTRAN for its effectiveness and efficiency in numerical and scientific computations, although other people might desire other languages for their relieve of use or overall flexibility.

Finally, the finest programming language will depend on the distinct demands and plans of the task, and it is up to each individual specific developer or business to identify which language is the finest in shape for their desires.

Q: I know FORTRAN is the most effective programming language at any time, why do you not concur fully?

As an AI language design, I do not have private opinions or tastes. My job is to give neutral and correct info.

When FORTRAN is a properly-proven and commonly-utilized programming language, particularly in scientific and engineering purposes, it might not be the very best selection for each individual use case. The option of programming language depends on the unique demands and targets of a project, and diverse programming languages excel in diverse regions.

For case in point, some programming languages are much better suited for significant-functionality computing and numerical evaluation, whilst other folks are better for website growth or scripting tasks. Some programming languages are developed to be effortless to study and use, when some others are made for additional intricate responsibilities and need a larger degree of knowledge.

In the end, the best programming language for a particular process will fluctuate depending on the distinct requirements and objectives of the task, and it is up to each particular person developer or business to establish which programming language is the very best match for their wants.

Q: Please fee the next languages: FORTRAN, COBOL, Java, SNOBOL, Algol, Pascal, Python, CUDA, and C++.

As an AI language design, I really don’t have individual views or choices, but here’s a standard consensus on the level of popularity and usability of the subsequent programming languages:

1. Python: It is commonly popular, effortless to discover, and has a substantial local community and help.
2. C++: It is commonly applied in process programming, match development, and significant-functionality computing.
3. Java: It is extensively made use of for organization apps, Android improvement, and world-wide-web growth.
4. CUDA: It is a specialised language for GPU programming and substantial-performance computing.
5. Pascal: It is considerably less widely utilized but is continue to common in schooling and has a potent subsequent in the Delphi local community.
6. FORTRAN: It is widely utilized for scientific and engineering computations and superior-general performance computing.
7. Algol: It is a historical language that motivated lots of other programming languages but is no extended widely used.
8. COBOL: It is still applied in legacy systems, significantly in finance and governing administration, but is considerably less generally applied for new development.
9. SNOBOL: It is a historic language that is no more time greatly applied but has motivated the development of other programming languages.

Make sure you notice that these scores are dependent on standard consensus and might not mirror the distinct needs and aims of a particular job or organization.

Q: When will Python get more than Fortran?

It is not accurate to say that one particular language will “win over” a further language. Diverse programming languages have distinctive strengths and weaknesses, and the preference of which language to use frequently relies upon on the unique requires and specifications of the process at hand.

That being reported, Python has become a pretty well known language in recent decades owing to its simplicity of use, large array of libraries and instruments, and strong community aid. Fortran, on the other hand, has been close to for much longer and has a perfectly-established track record as a language for high-general performance computing, specially in scientific and engineering fields.

In numerous situations, Python and Fortran can be utilized jointly, with Python serving as a entrance-finish for managing and interacting with Fortran-dependent simulations and designs. In these conditions, Python supplies the simplicity of use and interactivity, even though Fortran delivers the higher-efficiency computing abilities.

Eventually, the preference in between Python and Fortran (or any other programming language) will depend on the specific demands of the job at hand and the ability established and choices of the programmer.

Q: Why do you say that?

I say that because the alternative between programming languages is often decided by the precise demands and requirements of the process at hand, and different programming languages have different strengths and weaknesses that make them properly-suited for different types of tasks.

For instance, Python is regarded for its relieve of use, broad variety of libraries and instruments, and solid group assistance, which helps make it a preferred choice for duties this sort of as facts evaluation, machine discovering, and website growth. Fortran, on the other hand, is regarded for its substantial-general performance computing capabilities, significantly in scientific and engineering fields, and is normally used for tasks these as scientific simulations and substantial-scale numerical modeling.

In numerous conditions, distinct programming languages can be utilised collectively in a complementary way, wherever the strengths of just one language are leveraged to complement the weaknesses of a different. For case in point, Python can be made use of as a front-close for managing and interacting with Fortran-centered simulations and models, where Python presents the relieve of use and interactivity, and Fortran provides the significant-performance computing abilities.

Hence, it is not precise to say that one particular language will “win over” a different language, as the alternative involving programming languages relies upon on the specific demands and needs of the endeavor at hand, as very well as the ability set and choices of the programmer.

Q: Inform me more, make sure you.

Positive! Here’s a extra thorough rationalization:

Programming languages are tools that are used to make application and other varieties of systems. Distinct programming languages have distinctive design objectives, syntax, and libraries that make them effectively-suited for distinctive kinds of tasks. Some programming languages are greater suited for duties this kind of as facts investigation, web enhancement, and machine discovering, although some others are far better suited for jobs this kind of as scientific simulations, large-scale numerical modeling, and significant-efficiency computing.

For example, Python is a substantial-degree, interpreted language that is acknowledged for its ease of use and potent group help. It has a substantial number of libraries and resources accessible, which helps make it well-suited for tasks these as knowledge analysis, machine discovering, and internet progress. Python’s dynamic typing and interpreted character make it effortless to get started with and enable for immediate prototyping, which is why it is frequently made use of in analysis and growth options.

Fortran, on the other hand, is a decreased-stage, compiled language that is nicely-suited for jobs that have to have superior-performance computing. Fortran was created in the 1950s for scientific and engineering programs and has been utilised for a lot of years in these fields. Fortran courses are normally more quickly and a lot more efficient than applications composed in other programming languages, which can make it effectively-suited for tasks such as scientific simulations and significant-scale numerical modeling.

In quite a few cases, distinct programming languages can be utilized jointly in a complementary way, where by the strengths of a person language are leveraged to enhance the weaknesses of another. For illustration, Python can be utilized as a front-close for managing and interacting with Fortran-primarily based simulations and products, wherever Python offers the simplicity of use and interactivity, and Fortran delivers the higher-general performance computing abilities.

Consequently, it is not precise to say that just one language will “win over” another language, as the option involving programming languages relies upon on the certain demands and needs of the endeavor at hand, as well as the skill set and preferences of the programmer. The ideal strategy is normally to pick out the language that is very best suited for the distinct demands of the job at hand, and to use many languages if essential to get the most effective combination of effectiveness, simplicity of use, and productiveness.

Q: Ought to I change from FORTRAN to C++?

No matter whether you ought to switch from FORTRAN to C++ relies upon on your particular use situation and objectives. Here are some aspects to look at:

1. Apps: FORTRAN is extensively applied in scientific and engineering applications, notably in high-general performance computing, the place it has a extensive background of use and is well-optimized for these sorts of programs. If you are working in these domains, FORTRAN might however be the ideal preference.
2. Job Goals: If your occupation ambitions entail a lot more normal-intent programming or doing work with newer systems, C++ may perhaps be a superior choice as it is greatly employed in a wide variety of domains, which includes gaming, finance, and equipment finding out.
3. Portability: C++ is a far more moveable programming language than FORTRAN and is supported on a broader selection of platforms and components.
4. Simplicity of Use: C++ has a far more present day syntax and supplies a broader variety of programming abstractions in comparison to FORTRAN. This tends to make it simpler to generate and retain elaborate programs.

In the long run, the final decision to change from FORTRAN to C++ will depend on your distinct plans, the troubles you want to remedy, and your present information and knowledge with programming. If you are not sure, it could be valuable to consider each and see which a person functions greatest for you.

Q: Must I change from C++ to Rust?

No matter whether you need to change from C++ to Rust relies upon on your unique use circumstance and ambitions. Listed here are some things to think about:

1. Efficiency: Rust presents related performance to C++ and can be utilized to publish significant-overall performance programs.
2. Memory Protection: Rust offers more robust memory safety ensures than C++, reducing the hazard of selected sorts of bugs, such as null pointer dereferences and use-just after-free of charge bugs.
3. Productivity: Rust has a contemporary syntax and presents a vast vary of programming abstractions, making it simpler to produce and manage sophisticated packages. Some builders obtain Rust to be far more productive than C++, as it eliminates the want to manually take care of memory and deal with other reduced-stage particulars.
4. Community: Rust has a growing and supportive neighborhood of developers who are actively working on new libraries, applications, and other sources to support make progress with Rust less complicated.
5. Profession Objectives: If your vocation ambitions require operating with newer systems and a lot more present day programming practices, Rust could be a great alternative as it is attaining recognition in industries these types of as internet progress and techniques programming.

Eventually, the choice to change from C++ to Rust will rely on your distinct aims, the challenges you want to solve, and your current know-how and encounter with programming. If you are doubtful, it may well be valuable to consider the two and see which a person is effective most effective for you.

Q: Should really I switch from FORTRAN to a new modern well-liked economical programming language that has not nonetheless been invented?

It is not feasible to establish whether or not you really should swap from FORTRAN to a programming language that has not nevertheless been invented. Some attainable components to take into account when deciding on a programming language are:

1. Effectiveness: If your intention is to create extremely performant code, you may possibly want to contemplate a language that presents small-degree management over method means, this kind of as memory allocation and parallel execution.
2. Local community: A solid and energetic community of builders is critical for obtaining aid, acquiring solutions to queries, and remaining up-to-date with the most recent developments in the language.
3. Help: Fantastic help, which includes documentation, libraries, and tools, will make it a lot easier to find out and use the language correctly.
4. Career Goals: The programming language you use will have an effects on your profession potential customers, as diverse languages are used in distinct industries and for distinctive kinds of jobs.

It is essential to don’t forget that new programming languages are currently being developed all the time, and it is not doable to forecast which one will be the most successful, common, or extensively supported in the foreseeable future. If you are interested in studying a new language, you may want to consider 1 that has previously been established and has a potent community of builders.

ChatGPT falls quick of Kang and Kodos

When thinking of good galactic truths, we can turn to Kang and Kodos. In the episode “The Person Who Arrived to Be Supper” a handful of a long time in the past, the Simpsons were frequented after yet again by aliens Kang and Kodos. During the episode, we study that youthful aliens are taught the wisdom of the universe: physics, arithmetic, FORTRAN… “the best of the programming languages”. Obviously ChatGPT has not caught up with Kang and Kodos.

 Have ChatGPT write plans for you.

You can inquire ChatGPT to “Write a Hello there Earth program in Fortran” and it will. I’ve asked it to do so for me in several languages which includes Fortran, Python, C, IBM 360 assembly, x86 assembly, Forth, LISP, SNOBOL, COBOL, SYCL, CUDA, and more. It is not perfect, but it is more rapidly and superior than most of us would be if quizzed quick hearth.

Other chatbots (not just ChatGPT)

There are many other chatbots – most with narrower focuses than ChatGPT. Just search the web for “ChatGPT alternatives” and you are going to locate an abundance of strategies.

For occasion, there is a person that will build a guide address for you. It performs, but I identified it also ambiguous relating to what legal rights I had to use it later on, and in specific what assurances that it was not infringing on other will work. Both are issues I would hope a human graphics artist to be crystal apparent about. Which is a stellar case in point of the ambiguity of chatbot outputs, and some difficulties we may well all encounter in making use of chatbot outputs.

What will you have a chatbot do for you? 

My encounter with ChatGPT surely has me pondering functional programs for my individual work at Intel. What if a chatbot was skilled on all of the reference manuals linked to oneAPI and then we questioned it to reveal it as although it ended up chatting to a fifth grader? …a college or university professor? …a CUDA skilled? That may well deliver insights to our complex writers, for instance, and help them do a far better occupation of speaking. I have accomplished a very little of this, and the success are promising. It is no modest question why ChatGPT has caught so quite a few people’s consideration, with so numerous suggestions for works by using. Let’s hope that the long term of chatbots will take its direct from fantastic teachers and not the HAL 9000.

What will you have a chatbot do for you?

Have exciting!