DOCERR: Backslash Edit Descriptor Documented Incorrectly

• Microsoft FORTRAN for MS-DOS and OS/2, version 5.1

According to page 84 of the Microsoft FORTRAN "Reference" manual for version 5.1, "The backslash edit descriptor is used only for formatted output to terminal devices, such as the screen or printer. It is ignored in all other situations." However, on page 97, the "Reference" manual states, "If the device is the screen, you can use the backslash (\) edit descriptor to suppress the end-of-record."

These statements are not correct; FORTRAN version 5.1 extends the use of the backslash edit descriptor to file I/O in addition to device I/O.

To correct these errors, make the following changes to your copy of the "Reference" manual:

• On page 84, change the statement to read as follows: "The backslash edit descriptor is typically used for formatted output to terminal devices, such as the screen or a printer."
• On page 97, change the statement to read as follows: "You can use the backslash (\) edit descriptor to suppress the end-of-record mark."
• Add the following statement to Appendix B to include the change in the devices that the backslash edit descriptor supports: "The backslash (\) edit descriptor will suppress the end-of-record mark for all devices including files, not just terminal devices."