BUG: Compiler Syntax Error If Edit Descriptors Contain Spaces

• Microsoft Fortran PowerStation for Windows 95 and Windows NT, version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

Compiling a free form source file having multiple-character edit descriptors with embedded spaces in a FORMAT statement results in this error:

   FOR3852: syntax error detected

CAUSE

The compiler treats files having the extension .f90 as free form source files. In a free form source file, spaces are normally significant except in FORMAT statements.

RESOLUTION

Do one of the following:

• Remove the spaces within the multiple-character edit descriptors.

  -or-

• Use a fixed form source file by changing the extension to .for.

  -or-

• Disable free form source using the /4Nf compiler switch.

  -or-

• Use the !MS$NOFREEFORM metacommand before the FORMAT statements containing the multiple-character edit descriptors with spaces.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Sample Code to Illustrate and Work Around Problem

! Use Fortran 90 source extension: .F90

! Workaround #3, use the /4Nf compiler switch

! !MS$NOFREEFORM ! Workaround #4, uncomment this metacommand

      integer :: i = 123
      write(*, 100) i, i, i
100   format(1x, i5, sp, i5, ss, i5)   ! This compiles
      write(*, 200) i, i, i

      end