Using C++ as a scientific programming language

Large computational physics codes are increasing in complexity as customers demand improved physics packages and more flexible algorithms and problem specifications. It is not uncommon for a code to exceed one hundred thousand lines of FORTRAN, and some codes are much larger. This poses a considerable challenge for program management. The Computational Physics Research and Development Division at Sandia National Laboratories is aggressively pursuing C++ as the language of choice for new coding efforts. We feel that we cannot meet the stringent customer requirements and delivery schedules we now face with either FORTRAN77 or Fortran-90. 8 refs., 3 tabs.