The name Fortran was derived from the original reference to a computer language as a "FORmula TRANslator", and was designed to permit the statement of a problem in terms that closely resemble mathematical notation.
The Fortran-77 (F77) compiler services both batch and Time Sharing, using the same compiler modules for both environments. Programs can be developed for eventual use in the batch environment with the convenience of the interactive time sharing environment, and, after debugging is complete, they can be submitted to batch without concern for time sharing/batch language incompatibilities.
The compilation of a F77 program requires the execution of a large system program known as the F77 compiler. GCOS software loads the compiler, allocates resources necessary for compilation, and passes control to the compiler. The compiler accepts a F77 source program, performs syntax checking, and translates it into an object program if no uncorrectable errors are encountered.
A collection of source programs can be compiled, some through Time Sharing, some through batch, and the object modules plus run-time packages combined for execution in either environment. The amount of processing done by the compiler is specified by the use of options.
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