Side by side versions?

I have found a lot of issues with version 8.3 so I will have to revert back (again) to version 7.2.

However, if possible I would like to keep both versions installed (so I can pass issues with 8.3 on to Paul). Can anyone provide advice on the best way to do this?

I generally use Plato for development, but I also use the command line (FTN95) to compile and run my tests.

You could install (or copy) into two folders, one for each version. The only requirement is that you change the PATH environment variable so that it contains only the folder that you are currently using.

I am puzzled by the thought that there are lots of regressions from v7.2.

1. Wow...When was issued ver.7.2, few years back? Not reporting found problems for several years? You punish yourself, other users and the product, David.

I always encourage everyone to report any sneeze of the compiler on their codes and any (even crazy) ideas for improvement.

And for those Fortraners who use PE version reporting bugs and suggestions is literally a duty in exchange for excellent product which with users suggestions could be even better and which still unbelievably generously go with no charge. Look at the Intel Fortran prices for example to realize the Silverfrost actually pays YOU, guys.

2. I do not change the path but instead rename main folder with complete previous installation of compiler into 'FTN95'. In my computer the current version main folder is always called FTN95, all older ones can have any convenient name, for example FTN95_7_2. To not mix up different versions inside the FTN95 folder i open additional empty folder with the name of current version

Thanks Paul - I will try that.

I will post what I have found about 8.3 regressions tomorrow. I want to find a good illustration code. There are possibly only a few issues with 8.3 that are generating lots of errors. It isn't just the 64 bit mode. I get run time errors in 32 bits that I didn't get before.

I don't think I have been punishing anyone. I have reported what issues I have found with 7.x, 8.05 and 8.1 and I know a lot of these have been addressed. I had been waiting for 8.2 Personal to be released so I could test it with a view to purchase. The version has skipped to 8.3 so I am testing that.

Hopefully, I can help to throw some light into the darker corners of 8.3 and it will prove helpful.

David,

I always keep multiple copies of FTN95 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Silverfrost\ftn95' is the latest install version, which I don't use in my path. I make and use copies of this directory to keep track of what I am using

The following is a listing of my Silverfrost directory: Volume in drive C is Acer Volume Serial Number is 5CF1-CCA3

 Directory of c:\Program Files (x86)\silverfrost

11/02/2014  10:58 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_6.10
29/08/2014  01:11 AM    <DIR>          ftn95_7.00
25/09/2014  03:49 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_6.36
30/01/2015  07:25 AM    <DIR>          ftn95_7.1_back
31/01/2015  10:20 AM    <DIR>          ftn95_7.10
31/01/2015  10:59 AM         2,994,987 clearwin64.exe
16/04/2015  08:50 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_5.01
16/04/2015  08:51 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_5.40
22/09/2015  01:02 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_7.10_back
12/10/2015  09:10 AM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.0_beta1
12/10/2015  04:48 PM             2,565 cmp_ver7.1
12/10/2015  04:50 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.0_beta2
12/10/2015  04:59 PM               972 z
20/10/2015  02:24 PM             4,228 cmpufd.tce
06/01/2016  08:35 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.0_beta3
13/04/2016  07:15 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.0_beta3a
13/04/2016  07:17 PM            19,648 cmptree_7.10.tce
04/05/2016  09:30 AM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.0_pre
03/07/2016  01:06 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.00
13/07/2016  05:44 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.05
05/11/2016  09:23 AM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.05-Nov16
24/01/2017  04:17 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.05.14
02/03/2017  09:28 AM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.05-jan17
02/03/2017  09:32 AM             2,608 cmptree.tce
02/03/2017  09:34 AM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.10a
30/09/2017  12:29 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.10
21/11/2017  08:58 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.20F
04/04/2018  10:56 PM    <DIR>          ftn95
04/04/2018  10:59 PM    <DIR>          simdem
04/04/2018  10:59 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.30F
10/04/2018  01:11 PM    <DIR>          .
10/04/2018  01:11 PM    <DIR>          ..
14/04/2018  10:38 PM    <DIR>          ftn95_8.30.23
               6 File(s)      3,025,008 bytes
              27 Dir(s)  678,308,208,640 bytes free

To select a version, I have a bat file, whose variables are replicated in my environment variable settings.

rem  set minimal path for FTN95
echo recent FTN95 options are 8.20F 8.10F 8.05 7.10

set f95.ver=%1

set f95_dir=C:\Program Files (x86)\Silverfrost\ftn95_%f95.ver%
set ftn95_path=%f95_dir%
set f95include=%f95_dir%\include
set mod_path=%f95_dir%\include

set Path=C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath;%gcc_path%;%ftn95_path%;%orig_path%;c:\utils

Also, a bit more detail than 'I have found a lot of issues with version 8.3' ?

I would find the escapements interesting. While I do not use some of the more advanced features that FTN95 offers, I do look at every report of discrepancies to see if similar code is in my commercial product.

Thanks everyone. I will try something similar to John's suggestion.

John, I am posting more details of the issues I have found with 8.3 in the support section.

John,

%1 is the first option provided to the batch file. So assuming the batch file is called set_ftn95.bat I want to select the version in directory ftn95_8.20F I would issue the command 'set_ftn95 8.20F' in my cmd.exe 'dos box' 'set_ftn95 7.10' would take me back to Version 7.10

You will note that the batch file refers to other environment variables: f95_dir=c:\Program Files (x86)\Silverfrost\ftn95_%f95.ver% ftn95_path=%f95_dir% f95include=%f95_dir%\include mod_path=%f95_dir%\include gcc_path orig_path

These are some of the environment variables I have defined in Control Panel > SYSTEM > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables... > System variables These environment variables are defined, based on the sort order for System variables The system variables are required for PLATO

%orig_path% is an minimal path definition which changes some times 'C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath is one of those directories that if you don't list it, it will keep getting added. There can be a few of these.

I should have added that this is for Windows 7, Win 10 has others like this. Windows 10 has also made editing the Path system variable a bit easier.

My directory 'FTN95' is the directory I keep for updating. I then make a copy with the version name to keep track of what I am doing.

This approach is useful for a number of packages that can be installed in this way.

Quoted from JohnCampbell John,

%1 is the first option provided to the batch file. So assuming the batch file is called set_ftn95.bat I want to select the version in directory ftn95_8.20F I would issue the command 'set_ftn95 8.20F' in my cmd.exe 'dos box' 'set_ftn95 7.10' would take me back to Version 7.10

You will note that the batch file refers to other environment variables: f95_dir=c:\Program Files (x86)\Silverfrost\ftn95_%f95.ver% ftn95_path=%f95_dir% f95include=%f95_dir%\include mod_path=%f95_dir%\include gcc_path orig_path

Hi JohnC, This is very useful tip to use. Thanks