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

Six fantastic ways to spend National Vid...
As if anyone needed an excuse to play games today, I am about to give you one: it is National Video Games Day. A day for us to play games, like we no doubt do every day. Let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth. Instead, feast your eyes on this... | Read more »
Old School RuneScape players turn out in...
The sheer leap in technological advancements in our lifetime has been mind-blowing. We went from Commodore 64s to VR glasses in what feels like a heartbeat, but more importantly, the internet. It can be a dark mess, but it also brought hundreds of... | Read more »
Today's Best Mobile Game Discounts...
Every day, we pick out a curated list of the best mobile discounts on the App Store and post them here. This list won't be comprehensive, but it every game on it is recommended. Feel free to check out the coverage we did on them in the links below... | Read more »
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's...
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Nintendo has been locked in an epic battle with Pocketpair, creator of the obvious Pokémon rip-off Palworld. Nintendo often resorts to legal retaliation at the drop of a hat, but it seems this... | Read more »
Apple exclusive mobile games don’t make...
If you are a gamer on phones, no doubt you have been as distressed as I am on one huge sticking point: exclusivity. For years, Xbox and PlayStation have done battle, and before this was the Sega Genesis and the Nintendo NES. On console, it makes... | Read more »
Regionally exclusive events make no sens...
Last week, over on our sister site AppSpy, I babbled excitedly about the Pokémon GO Safari Days event. You can get nine Eevees with an explorer hat per day. Or, can you? Specifically, you, reader. Do you have the time or funds to possibly fly for... | Read more »
As Jon Bellamy defends his choice to can...
Back in March, Jagex announced the appointment of a new CEO, Jon Bellamy. Mr Bellamy then decided to almost immediately paint a huge target on his back by cancelling the Runescapes Pride event. This led to widespread condemnation about his perceived... | Read more »
Marvel Contest of Champions adds two mor...
When I saw the latest two Marvel Contest of Champions characters, I scoffed. Mr Knight and Silver Samurai, thought I, they are running out of good choices. Then I realised no, I was being far too cynical. This is one of the things that games do best... | Read more »
Grass is green, and water is wet: Pokémo...
It must be a day that ends in Y, because Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has kicked off its Zoroark Drop Event. Here you can get a promo version of another card, and look forward to the next Wonder Pick Event and the next Mass Outbreak that will be... | Read more »
Enter the Gungeon review
It took me a minute to get around to reviewing this game for a couple of very good reasons. The first is that Enter the Gungeon's style of roguelike bullet-hell action is teetering on the edge of being straight-up malicious, which made getting... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Take $150 off every Apple 11-inch M3 iPad Air
Amazon is offering a $150 discount on 11-inch M3 WiFi iPad Airs right now. Shipping is free: – 11″ 128GB M3 WiFi iPad Air: $449, $150 off – 11″ 256GB M3 WiFi iPad Air: $549, $150 off – 11″ 512GB M3... Read more
Apple iPad minis back on sale for $100 off MS...
Amazon is offering $100 discounts (up to 20% off) on Apple’s newest 2024 WiFi iPad minis, each with free shipping. These are the lowest prices available for new minis among the Apple retailers we... Read more
Apple’s 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros are on sa...
Amazon has 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros (Silver and Black colors) on sale for up to $410 off Apple’s MSRP right now. Shipping is free. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party... Read more
Red Pocket Mobile is offering a $150 rebate o...
Red Pocket Mobile has new Apple iPhone 17’s on sale for $150 off MSRP when you switch and open up a new line of service. Red Pocket Mobile is a nationwide MVNO using all the major wireless carrier... Read more
Switch to Verizon, and get any iPhone 16 for...
With yesterday’s introduction of the new iPhone 17 models, Verizon responded by running “on us” promos across much of the iPhone 16 lineup: iPhone 16 and 16 Plus show as $0/mo for 36 months with bill... Read more
Here is a summary of the new features in Appl...
Apple’s September 2025 event introduced major updates across its most popular product lines, focusing on health, performance, and design breakthroughs. The AirPods Pro 3 now feature best-in-class... Read more
Apple’s Smartphone Lineup Could Use A Touch o...
COMMENTARY – Whatever happened to the old adage, “less is more”? Apple’s smartphone lineup. — which is due for its annual refresh either this month or next (possibly at an Apple Event on September 9... Read more
Take $50 off every 11th-generation A16 WiFi i...
Amazon has Apple’s 11th-generation A16 WiFi iPads in stock on sale for $50 off MSRP right now. Shipping is free: – 11″ 11th-generation 128GB WiFi iPads: $299 $50 off MSRP – 11″ 11th-generation 256GB... Read more
Sunday Sale: 14-inch M4 MacBook Pros for up t...
Don’t pay full price! Amazon has Apple’s 14-inch M4 MacBook Pros (Silver and Black colors) on sale for up to $220 off MSRP right now. Shipping is free. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather... Read more
Mac mini with M4 Pro CPU back on sale for $12...
B&H Photo has Apple’s Mac mini with the M4 Pro CPU back on sale for $1259, $140 off MSRP. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: – Mac mini M4 Pro CPU (24GB/512GB): $1259, $... Read more

Jobs Board

All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.