TweetFollow Us on Twitter

Running NAG F95 on a Mac

Volume Number: 20 (2004)
Issue Number: 6
Column Tag: Programming

Running NAG F95 on a Mac

by Peter Amerl

Was Newton's Apple a Macintosh?

The Measurement Scales Uncovered

With OS X, Apple unleashed a new tool upon the computing community that even Sir Isaac Newton would have been proud to use. Who knows, maybe he would have belonged to those in scientific computing who prefer to use the Unix command line interface, and the X windows interface. Or, maybe he would have liked the slick Mac interface, and its newly found flexibility. Either way, most scientific programmers whom I know (including myself) tend to use the command line interface since their input and output data are weighed in hundreds of mega bytes, and the code often massages and stores the reduced data, thus requiring only a very basic interface. Furthermore, coding for those in science is a means to an end (fame and fortune). Often it is necessary for scientific code to be portable, permitting development on the Mac while enabling compilation on the latest Teraflop Cray, or super cluster. This leads to my criteria for the evaluation of the NAG compiler:

  • A streamlined coding environment

  • a good syntax checker

  • an intuitive and easy to use debugger

  • compiler optimization options

  • options to enforce standards compliance

The bulk of scientific computing is performed using two languages: C, and Fortran. Although C has evolved over the past decades with many new scientific libraries, abstraction layers in C++ simplifying the coding process, it is not always the best choice for scientific computing. Many solved computational problems are available on web sites such as http://www.netlib.org. A good fraction of these routines are coded using one of the Fortran flavors. Consequently, the language is likely to remain a scientific favorite for some time. The selection of third party Fortran compilers available for OS X is quite limited, and unfortunately, a good open source compiler for F90 or F95 is not available to date. Current third party contenders such as NAG F95, IBM XL Fortran, and Absoft ProFortran support compilation of source code for the F77, F90, and F95 standards. This review will discuss the NAG compiler for Mac OS X.

Experiences with the NAG Fortran 95 Compiler

The Nag F95 compiler has a multitude of features, such as automatic file preconnection, IEEE 754 support, automatic garbage collection, memory tracing, undefined variable detection, a random number generator that is seeded based on the time of day, etc.. Yet this is all material that can be obtained from the usual propaganda sheets. Once I had the NAG compiler installed and functioning, the fun started. The compiler options are just what one would expect from a Un*x style Fortran compiler. The following options set it apart from other compilers. It can provide compilation feedback that is color-coded, so that compiler warnings, errors, and informational messages are displayed using different colors. This makes it easier to scan the resulting output for compilation problems. Support for conformance checking is included, although apparently only for the Fortran 95 standard. This conformance checking can be performed in the following ways: the compiler can provide warning messages on the use of extensions to Fortran, syntax that was deleted in the transition to F95, and obsolete syntax and commands. One superb feature that NAG provides with its Fortran compilers is runtime garbage collection that can be enabled with "-gc" during the link phase. In the past, the automatic garbage collection has saved me valuable system resources when a routine repetitively needed to allocate and deallocate a number of large dynamic arrays.

The compiler also accepts, and checks HPF directives, but unfortunately does not compile them into the executable. Through the lack of AltiVec (a.k.a. Velocity Engine) library support, it is clear that NAG created the compiler to serve as a general-purpose, platform independent tool. Mac G4 and G5 users must create wrapper functions in C++ to take advantage of the AltiVec routines, a situation that is less than ideal for those looking for Velocity Engine performance improvements. On the other hand, the lack of these additional functions makes the NAG compiler a good (foolproof) compiler to use for porting code to other platforms. An integrated development environment is not provided with the compiler, further gearing the compiler to command-line or emacs jocks (such as myself). At the time of this writing, the compiler was not designed to work with Xcode. This omission may not be a serious stumbling block as NAG does supply its own graphical debugger, upsf95, derived from the open source ups debugger. Information about it can be found at http://ups.sourceforge.net. I found the debugger to work much like graphical implementations of gdbg. For people with dual processor systems, a more serious omission is the lack of parallel processing support.

I suspect that the NAG compiler is still showing some teething pains. Upon installing the compiler on two systems, a dual G5 running Panther and a G3 running Jaguar, I immediately ran into trouble. On the G5, the compiler could not compile a "Hello World" program. Using the "ieee=full" compilation flag changed the executable favorably, but did not entirely fix the problem. In all fairness, I later found that the error occurred every time I compiled as the OEM user after allowing the system to go to sleep. On the G3 with OS X 10.2.8, the code would not compile under the OEM user. Magically, the problems disappeared when I created a non-administrative user account to compile and execute programs. It is possible the problems were caused by other software packages installed on both computers. After the initial frustration, the compiler ran smoothly. I could even compile and execute about 13000 lines of scientific Fortran 90 code originally destined for the SGI platform without problems.

The Bottom Line

Pros:

The compiler functioned well once its quirks were resolved. To me, the debugger felt much like a graphical version of "gdb" and was very usable. The compiler optimized the code noticeably well considering its lack of AltiVec support. The color-coded compilation messages are an excellent touch, and of great benefit to command line compilation. Most important to me, the garbage collection, and cross-platform compatibility functioned superbly.

Cons:

The lack of an IDE or Xcode compatibility forces the user to rely on other editors. Also missing is the ability to compile code for parallel processing. It appears that on some systems, the compiler can potentially act somewhat capriciously. Fortunately, using a non-administrative account with no additional software or haxies installed fixed code generation problems for me.

Recommendations

For anyone who has a favorite editor, and prefers to use make files, this compiler will be worthwhile. If Xcode integration is desired, the NAG F95 compiler is not the tool to use. Perhaps, with properly placed suggestions from users, NAG will support Xcode development in a future release. If you are looking for cross platform compatibility you will most likely also be well served. Before using the compiler I suggest the creating a clean user account. Once this is accomplished, run the compiler from within that account. In any case, this is an excellent practice for computer security.

In Closing

Regardless of the compiler and operating system, the Apple Macintosh would not have been suitable for Sir Isaac Newton. It would likely have rendered him unconscious, or worse, as it fell on his head. Who knows, we might not know about gravity, or calculus, without Newton's contributions. Although most students would be much happier without these, it would also make present day computers unlikely.


Peter Amerl is a PhD physicist who has been coding scientific data reduction routines, and charged particle trajectory simulations for scientific instruments using Fortran 90 and 95 since 1996. Peter started his computing experience in 1982 with the Apple II+, eventually graduating to the Mac+. For a time of about seven years, he turned to the dark side until 1994, when the stability of Linux caught his eye. This fairytale continued until a wondrous discovery - OS X. Now Peter happily codes scientific routines on a G5.

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Whitethorn Games combines two completely...
If you have ever gone fishing then you know that it is a lesson in patience, sitting around waiting for a bite that may never come. Well, that's because you have been doing it wrong, since as Whitehorn Games now demonstrates in new release Skate... | Read more »
Call of Duty Warzone is a Waiting Simula...
It's always fun when a splashy multiplayer game comes to mobile because they are few and far between, so I was excited to see the notification about Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile (finally) launching last week and wanted to try it out. As someone who... | Read more »
Albion Online introduces some massive ne...
Sandbox Interactive has announced an upcoming update to its flagship MMORPG Albion Online, containing massive updates to its existing guild Vs guild systems. Someone clearly rewatched the Helms Deep battle in Lord of the Rings and spent the next... | Read more »
Chucklefish announces launch date of the...
Chucklefish, the indie London-based team we probably all know from developing Terraria or their stint publishing Stardew Valley, has revealed the mobile release date for roguelike deck-builder Wildfrost. Developed by Gaziter and Deadpan Games, the... | Read more »
Netmarble opens pre-registration for act...
It has been close to three years since Netmarble announced they would be adapting the smash series Solo Leveling into a video game, and at last, they have announced the opening of pre-orders for Solo Leveling: Arise. [Read more] | Read more »
PUBG Mobile celebrates sixth anniversary...
For the past six years, PUBG Mobile has been one of the most popular shooters you can play in the palm of your hand, and Krafton is celebrating this milestone and many years of ups by teaming up with hit music man JVKE to create a special song for... | Read more »
ASTRA: Knights of Veda refuse to pump th...
In perhaps the most recent example of being incredibly eager, ASTRA: Knights of Veda has dropped its second collaboration with South Korean boyband Seventeen, named so as it consists of exactly thirteen members and a video collaboration with Lee... | Read more »
Collect all your cats and caterpillars a...
If you are growing tired of trying to build a town with your phone by using it as a tiny, ineffectual shover then fear no longer, as Independent Arts Software has announced the upcoming release of Construction Simulator 4, from the critically... | Read more »
Backbone complete its lineup of 2nd Gene...
With all the ports of big AAA games that have been coming to mobile, it is becoming more convenient than ever to own a good controller, and to help with this Backbone has announced the completion of their 2nd generation product lineup with their... | Read more »
Zenless Zone Zero opens entries for its...
miHoYo, aka HoYoverse, has become such a big name in mobile gaming that it's hard to believe that arguably their flagship title, Genshin Impact, is only three and a half years old. Now, they continue the road to the next title in their world, with... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

B&H has Apple’s 13-inch M2 MacBook Airs o...
B&H Photo has 13″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 256GB of storage in stock and on sale for up to $150 off Apple’s new MSRP, starting at only $849. Free 1-2 day delivery is available to most US... Read more
M2 Mac minis on sale for $100-$200 off MSRP,...
B&H Photo has Apple’s M2-powered Mac minis back in stock and on sale today for $100-$200 off MSRP. Free 1-2 day shipping is available for most US addresses: – Mac mini M2/256GB SSD: $499, save $... Read more
Mac Studios with M2 Max and M2 Ultra CPUs on...
B&H Photo has standard-configuration Mac Studios with Apple’s M2 Max & Ultra CPUs in stock today and on Easter sale for $200 off MSRP. Their prices are the lowest available for these models... Read more
Deal Alert! B&H Photo has Apple’s 14-inch...
B&H Photo has new Gray and Black 14″ M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $200-$300 off MSRP, starting at only $1399. B&H offers free 1-2 day delivery to most US addresses: – 14″ 8... Read more
Department Of Justice Sets Sights On Apple In...
NEWS – The ball has finally dropped on the big Apple. The ball (metaphorically speaking) — an antitrust lawsuit filed in the U.S. on March 21 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) — came down following... Read more
New 13-inch M3 MacBook Air on sale for $999,...
Amazon has Apple’s new 13″ M3 MacBook Air on sale for $100 off MSRP for the first time, now just $999 shipped. Shipping is free: – 13″ MacBook Air (8GB RAM/256GB SSD/Space Gray): $999 $100 off MSRP... Read more
Amazon has Apple’s 9th-generation WiFi iPads...
Amazon has Apple’s 9th generation 10.2″ WiFi iPads on sale for $80-$100 off MSRP, starting only $249. Their prices are the lowest available for new iPads anywhere: – 10″ 64GB WiFi iPad (Space Gray or... Read more
Discounted 14-inch M3 MacBook Pros with 16GB...
Apple retailer Expercom has 14″ MacBook Pros with M3 CPUs and 16GB of standard memory discounted by up to $120 off Apple’s MSRP: – 14″ M3 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $1691.06 $108 off MSRP – 14... Read more
Clearance 15-inch M2 MacBook Airs on sale for...
B&H Photo has Apple’s 15″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs (8GB RAM/256GB SSD) in stock today and on clearance sale for $999 in all four colors. Free 1-2 delivery is available to most US addresses.... Read more
Clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs drop to onl...
B&H has Apple’s base 13″ M1 MacBook Air (Space Gray, Silver, & Gold) in stock and on clearance sale today for $300 off MSRP, only $699. Free 1-2 day shipping is available to most addresses in... Read more

Jobs Board

Medical Assistant - Surgical Oncology- *Apple...
Medical Assistant - Surgical Oncology- Apple Hill Location: WellSpan Medical Group, York, PA Schedule: Full Time Sign-On Bonus Eligible Remote/Hybrid Regular Apply Read more
Omnichannel Associate - *Apple* Blossom Mal...
Omnichannel Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
Cashier - *Apple* Blossom Mall - JCPenney (...
Cashier - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Blossom Mall Read more
Operations Associate - *Apple* Blossom Mall...
Operations Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
Business Analyst | *Apple* Pay - Banco Popu...
Business Analyst | Apple PayApply now " Apply now + Apply Now + Start applying with LinkedIn Start + Please wait Date:Mar 19, 2024 Location: San Juan-Cupey, PR Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.