What is a .FTN file?
A .FTN file is a type of file known as a Flowton Diagram File, primarily used to store source code written in the Fortran programming language. Fortran is commonly used for tasks that involve numerical computations and scientific computing. The content of an FTN file is in plain text format, which means it can be viewed and edited using any basic text editor.
However, to take full advantage of the features of Fortran, specialized source code editors are often used. These editors, such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code, Photran, and Apple Xcode, provide tools and features like syntax highlighting and error checking, which are tailored to Fortran programming. These features help programmers write more efficient and error-free code.
Programs that can open and edit .FTN files include: - Microsoft Visual Studio Code: A versatile editor that supports many programming languages, including Fortran. - Photran: An integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for Fortran. - Intel Fortran Compiler: A compiler that can also open and edit Fortran files before compiling them. - Apple Xcode: A comprehensive tool for developers on macOS, supporting Fortran through additional plugins. - Absoft Pro Fortran: An IDE and compiler specifically for Fortran developers. - Any general text editor like Notepad or TextEdit can also open FTN files, but without the advanced features offered by the specialized tools.
After editing an FTN file, a Fortran compiler is used to compile the code into machine code, which is the set of instructions that a computer's processor executes directly. Some popular Fortran compilers include the Intel Fortran Compiler and Absoft Pro Fortran.
It's important to note that the .ftn file extension is specifically used for Fortran source code files. Other common extensions for Fortran source code include .F, .F90, and .FOR.
In summary, while any text editor can open a .FTN file, using a specialized IDE or source code editor is beneficial for Fortran developers looking to leverage advanced programming features. After editing, the code must be compiled using a Fortran compiler to create an executable program.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .FTN file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.