Fortran 77 (F77) - How to Convert Integer to String and Concatenate

Recently was working with a 91-year old researcher on their Fortran 77 code written over the last 50-years. It needed debugging and some new coding so it lead to learning an ancient language lovingly called F77. It is an eye-opening experience to realize you are working on something with that much history and contributing to a legacy.

Anyhow, personal reflections aside, here is how you convert an integer into a string in fortran 77 and then concatenate it to another string. Useful for suffixing a filename for example.

Conversion

The basic idea behind converting a variable of any type to a string in Fortran 77 is to write that variable into a Character array variable of some length using the Write function. So in our case we will be writing an Integer into a Character array.

Note: The size of the character array should match the number of digits else you will have a lot of white space. Of course you can do that if you want.

Let's define two such variables and assign them values.

Golden Age Super-heroes in the Public Domain

Consider this a writing reference, an art reference and of course a jumping point into a history lesson.

First, let's start with a collection of images of Super-heroes in the Public Domain. They are from the golden age of comics and as such do look somewhat dated (fluffy pants, robots, jetpacks, ray guns, swashbucklers, grinning Adonises, etc.). However, they are an important piece of comic book, art, and writing history. Enjoy and of course if you so choose use them in your writing.

To my board Art is Amazing with these images and other artifices of visual creativity.

A jump to just the first image.

A number of these golden age heroes experienced a temporary revival when Alex Ross pulled them from their slumber for his Project Superpowers limited series. A revival of sorts in the modern era.

Another handful of these heroes also experienced a summoning to the present day by Alan Moore and Peter Hogan in a mini-series spun-off from Alan Moore's Tom Strong comic. The series is called Terra Obscura.

For a details reference, the following Wikia (yes I know, ads, clicks, heavy on the browser, my apologies) page has a rather complete collection of Public Domain characters for both comic books and comic strips as well as open source characters.

A searchable database for all your imagination inspiring material.

Now go enjoy the images, the history of characters, and start cranking out some words. :)

A Letter from Teddy

Warning: Strong Language, Mature Themes, Graphic Violence

The following is a macabre tale of horror and a perverse comedy. A short piece of fiction exploring a darker surreality. The premise is a letter from a childhood toy.

I'm coming for you, Sully.

I'm coming for you. Tonight.

White Light

Warning: Mild Violence

A tongue-in-cheek dark humor piece.

The fluorescent lights were flat white and droned on. And so did he.

“So what truly drives you here?” he asked me.

I chose not to respond. May as well ask me what my 5-year plan is.