Which Fortran version to learn

[Winzer]

I have decided to learn Fortran over the summer. However there are various versions out there.
Which version would you recommend learning? I will be using Fortran for computation in physics
primarily. I will also be interfacing Python and Fortran together.

 

[Winzer]

This is not an unreasonable request is it?
Given the fortran versions: 77,90,95... which one would you recommmend?
Why would you recommend that particular version over any other?

 

[Winzer]

I have just read that it easiest to start with fortran 77, then to work my way up from there.
The reason being that the newer versions have more sophisticated packages, etc.
Is this accurate?

 

[minger]

I would say that there is no reason to start with anything older than Fortran 90. Fortran 90 starting going towards object-oriented programming, and quite frankly, if you try to debug anything written in F77, you'll quickly find yourself pulling your hair out.

Common blocks and implicit variable declaration will start you down a path you don't want to go.

 

[LudusRex]

I would recommend learning the most recent version of Fortran, which is Fortran 2018. This version includes many new features and improvements that make it more efficient and user-friendly for scientific computing. Additionally, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your field of physics and the libraries or packages you will be using. Some libraries may only be compatible with certain versions of Fortran, so it is important to do some research and ensure compatibility before choosing a version to learn. As for interfacing with Python, Fortran 2018 has improved interoperability with other languages, making it a good choice for this purpose. Overall, Fortran 2018 would be the most versatile and up-to-date choice for your needs in computation for physics.