Abstract
The role of functions in a programming language and in the problem-solving process is considerable and includes: Allowing us to refer to an action using a meaningful name, e.g., sine(x) a very concrete use of abstraction. Providing a mechanism that allows us to break a problem down into parts, giving us the opportunity to structure our problem solution. Providing us with the ability to concentrate on one part of a problem at a time and ignore the others. Allowing us to avoid the replication of the same or very similar sections of code when solving the same or a similar subproblem which has the secondary effect of reducing the memory requirements of the final program. Allowing us to build up a library of functions or modules for solving particular subproblems, both saving considerable development time and increasing our effectiveness and productivity.
I can call spirits from the vasty deep.
Why so can I, or so can any man; but will they come
when you do call for them?
William Shakespeare, King Henry IV, part 1
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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited
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Chivers, I., Sleightholme, J. (2012). Functions. In: Introduction to Programming with Fortran. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-233-9_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-233-9_12
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