Assumed character length functions - PR15326

[Richard E Maine]

On Jun 10, 2005, at 9:01 AM, Paul Thomas wrote:

>>> I have been attempting to enable assumed character length functions
>>> (incidentally, should it not be automatic character length 
>>> functions?)
>
> The reason that I asked is that I found the incorrect terminology 
> being used
> in a well-known text book on fortran.  I will write to the author!

It is a common misunderstanding.

I've run into quite a few people who glance at the list of obsolescent 
features and are surprised to find assumed-length character functions 
there. They complain that this feature shouldn't be obsolescent because 
it is used a lot. Invariably, the people complaining are talking about 
assumed-length character dummies and don't actually even know what 
assumed-length character functions are. Most people who look at the 
syntax for assumed-length character functions misunderstand what it 
does - typically they are expecting something like what 
allocatable-length character functions do in f2003.

I have run into one, maybe at most two, people who actually both 
understand what assumed-length character functions are and use them 
correctly. I know plenty of people who understand the feature, but 
don't use it (that would include myself).

-- 
Richard Maine                |  Good judgment comes from experience;
Richard.Maine@nasa.gov       |  experience comes from bad judgment.
                             |        -- Mark Twain