J3/01-141


To:         J3
From:       Craig Dedo
Date:       February 17, 2001
Subject:    Inclusions and Exclusions

Rationale
    It is traditional to state without qualification that the
    Fortran standard "does not specify . . . the size or complexity
    of a program and its data that will exceed the capacity of any
    specific computing system or the capability of a particular
    processor" [1:36-37].  This provision has usually been
    interpreted to prohibit or discourage the specification of
    minimum implementation limits.

    However, there are a few places where the Fortran standard does
    specify minimum implementation limits.  Some of these
    provisions are:
    1.  An array can have up to at least seven (7) dimensions
    [17:35].
    2.  A line of free source form has to allow at least 132
    characters [25:14].
    3.  A processor must allow at least 99 continuation lines
    [27:12].

    If one wishes to be pedantic, this is a contradiction, although
    I do not know if anyone would actually make an issue of it.

Technical Specification and Syntax
    Revise the language of section 1.4 to specify that any minimum
    implementation limits specified in the standard are not covered
    by the list of exclusions.

Edits
    Edits are with respect to the 01-007.

[1:27]  Change the clause to read, "Except as otherwise provided,
this standard does not specify".

References
01-007, Fortran 2000 Draft

[End of J3 / 01-141]