Fortran 8x: the emerging standard

Since 1979, the Fortran standardization committee, X3J3, has been labouring over a draft for the next version of standard. Its initial intention of publishing this draft in 1982 was hopelessly optimistic, and at best it may be ready this year. However, a number of fundamental issues have been thrown up over the past two years, such that it is clear that unanimity cannot be achieved: efficiency versus functionality; safety versus obsolescence; small and simple or big and powerful? This paper reviews the current state and content of Fortran 8x, and attempts to bring out some of the controversial issues surrounding its development.