8 Beginner-Friendly Fortran Books to Start Programming

Ian Chivers and Jane Sleightholme bring decades of hands-on experience with Fortran to this book, crafting a resource that welcomes absolute beginners without overwhelming them. They introduce you to fundamental concepts like data typing, array processing, and control structures, while gradually advancing into modern topics such as object-oriented programming, procedure pointers, and parallel programming. The book’s clear explanations and practical examples—including coverage of submodules and C interoperability—equip you with a solid foundation and progressively build your confidence in Fortran. Whether you’re new to programming or transitioning from another language, this edition balances accessibility with depth, helping you avoid common pitfalls and understand how to leverage Fortran’s evolving features.

What makes V. Rajaram's book different is its clear focus on easing beginners into Fortran 90 and 95 without overwhelming technical jargon. Drawing on his extensive teaching experience, Rajaram walks you through programming fundamentals and the nuances of these Fortran versions, including modern features introduced in Fortran 95. Chapters like array handling and modular programming illustrate key skills you’ll build. This book suits anyone starting with Fortran, especially students and developers aiming for a solid foundation in these specific language standards.

This tailored Fortran book offers a personalized and approachable introduction to the fundamentals of Fortran programming. It explores essential concepts progressively, allowing you to build confidence at a pace that matches your background and comfort level. The book covers core programming elements such as syntax, data types, control structures, arrays, and subprograms, ensuring you grasp each topic without feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on your specific goals and skill level, it creates a supportive learning environment that addresses your unique needs and interests. Designed for beginners, this book reveals the building blocks of Fortran programming through clear explanations and step-by-step guidance. It emphasizes gradual skill development and practical understanding, making the journey into Fortran accessible and engaging.

Garold J. Borse is an expert in numerical methods and programming whose extensive experience with engineering computations clearly shapes this book. Unlike most Fortran texts that plunge straight into code, Borse blends programming with practical engineering problems, helping you develop strong analysis skills alongside learning Fortran 77. The book’s structure, with eight programming assignments featuring solved examples, guides you through topics like matrix equations, curve fitting, and differential equations, making abstract numerical methods tangible. If you’re starting out in engineering or scientific programming and want a resource that ties computation directly to real problems, this book offers a steady, skill-building approach that won’t overwhelm you.

Jerrold L. Wagener wrote this book as a clear introduction to Fortran 77, aiming to make programming accessible to beginners without prior computer experience. You’ll find straightforward explanations of fundamental programming concepts, along with practical examples that demonstrate how Fortran 77 improves on its predecessor, Fortran IV, by being both efficient and more elegant. Chapters cover core topics like control structures, arrays, and subprograms, enabling you to build a solid foundation in scientific and engineering programming. This book suits you if you want a gentle yet thorough start in Fortran without getting overwhelmed by technical jargon or advanced theory.

Drawing from decades of experience as a chief computer scientist, Norman S. Clerman and Walter Spector crafted this book to bridge the gap between Fortran’s rich history and modern programming demands. You’ll find detailed guidance on writing clean, maintainable Fortran code, covering everything from formatting and naming conventions to advanced features like parallel processing with OpenMP and MPI. Chapters dedicated to updating legacy code and leveraging newer standards like Fortran 2003 and 2008 make this a practical manual for programmers at various levels. If you’re working in scientific or engineering domains and want to write code that stands up to today’s standards, this book offers concrete insights without overwhelming you.

This tailored Fortran book offers a focused exploration of core Fortran concepts designed specifically to match your background and learning goals. It progressively introduces foundational topics, building your confidence with a pace suited just for you. By concentrating on essential skills and gently removing complexity, the book creates a learning experience that feels natural and approachable. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with Fortran basics without feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to develop practical programming abilities aligned with your unique needs. Whether you’re new to programming or transitioning from another language, this book would cover the essentials in a way that fits your individual comfort and skill level.

Wilhelm Gehrke, a respected figure in scientific programming, offers a clear pathway for newcomers to grasp Fortran 95, a pivotal evolution from earlier standards. You explore detailed explanations of language features that support high-performance computing, including enhancements aligning with parallel architectures. The book serves both as a teaching resource and a practical guide for experienced programmers transitioning from older versions, with chapters that systematically cover syntax, data structures, and modern programming constructs. If you’re beginning your journey into Fortran or updating your skills for scientific applications, this guide offers a solid foundation without overwhelming complexity.

Unlike most Fortran books that dive straight into complex legacy code, Stephen Iroaku’s approach transforms the language into an accessible gateway for newcomers. He carefully balances foundational concepts like lists and simple programs with more advanced topics, using clear examples to bridge the gap between beginner and experienced programmers. You'll find practical guidance on functions and controlling program flow that demystifies what often feels like an archaic language. This book suits anyone eager to grasp Fortran’s unique role in scientific computing without getting overwhelmed, offering a solid toolkit to build your skills deliberately.

What started as a desire to demystify Fortran programming led Sam Key to craft this accessible guide aimed at absolute beginners. You’ll find straightforward explanations of fundamental concepts like data types, variables, and intrinsic functions, all presented in language that doesn’t assume prior coding experience. The book breaks down conditional statements with clarity, making it easier for you to grasp control flow without jargon. If you want a quick yet thorough introduction to Fortran’s essentials, this book lays a solid foundation, though those seeking advanced topics may need to look elsewhere.