FORTRAN D is an extension of FORTRAN for the specification of parallel algorithms. It is applicable to either FORTRAN 77 or FORTRAN 90. This paper gives a high-level overview of a compilation process that can be used to translate programs in both dialects for a variety of machines. The general strategy is to use a modification of the extension to FORTRAN 77 as an intermediate language. Two straightforward frontend processors, one for FORTRAN 77D and the other for FORTRAN 90D, produce this intermediate code. A single backend processor then translates the intermediate representation into FORTRAN 77, which is compiled by the target machine’s compiler. Thus FORTRAN 77 plays the role of a universal assembler in this system. Communication among processors and certain common matrix operations are implemented by a standard runtime library.

Measurements and examples show the importance of a number of optimizations performed by the backend processor. Their purpose and general properties are stated, but references to the original literature are provided in lieu of details.

Compiler experts will find little in this paper beyond the references. The particular frontend/backend partitioning of tasks is interesting, but the lack of detail is frustrating. Suppression of detail was the correct decision, however, given the venue. The paper is readable, gives a good overview, and places the literature in perspective. It can serve as a top-level map for a nonexpert who wishes to learn more about this area of compiler construction.