DOCERR: "Scratch Files Can Have Names," Reference Manual States (23465)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft FORTRAN Compiler for MS-DOS 4.0
Microsoft FORTRAN Compiler for MS-DOS 4.01
Microsoft FORTRAN Compiler for MS-DOS 4.1
Microsoft FORTRAN Compiler for MS-DOS 5.0
Microsoft FORTRAN Compiler for MS-DOS 5.1
Microsoft FORTRAN compiler for OS/2 4.1
Microsoft FORTRAN compiler for OS/2 5.0
Microsoft FORTRAN compiler for OS/2 5.1

This article was previously published under Q23465

SUMMARY

The Microsoft FORTRAN Optimizing Compiler "Language Reference" manual for versions 4.0, 4.01, and 4.1 and the Microsoft FORTRAN "Reference" manual for version 5.0 state that an application can open a named file with STATUS = 'SCRATCH.' These statements appear on page 253 for versions 4.x and page 206 for version 5.0.

These statements are incorrect and are contrary to ANSI FORTRAN specification (see page 12-19). The FORTRAN compiler generates the following run-time error when an application specifies STATUS = 'SCRATCH' for a named file:

F6301 : SCRATCH illegal for named file

NOTE: This feature is supported in FORTRAN PowerStation.

MORE INFORMATION

The following code example demonstrates this run-time error:

Sample Code #1

C Compile options needed: None

      OPEN(6, FILE = 'JUNK', STATUS = 'SCRATCH')
      END

To implement a named scratch file, open the file without a STATUS specification and close the file with STATUS = 'DELETE.' The following code example demonstrates this technique.

Sample Code #2

C Compile options needed: None

     OPEN(1, 'FILE = TEST.DAT')
     CLOSE(1, STATUS = 'DELETE')
     END

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	12/1/2003
Keywords:	KB23465