Fortran-77 simulation of word-addressable files

Abstract The paper shows how word-addressable file organizations can be simulated with Fortran 77 direct-access files. The simulation routines may be used on any computer equipped with a full Fortran 77 compiler. An input-output (I/O) performance study performed on a VAX 11 780 contrasts the Fortran simulation efficiency with that achievable through unbuffered system-level I/O. Applications of this file organization in support of scientific programs are briefly outlined.