Fortran vs Python: Which is better for scientific computing?

What are the main differences between Fortran and Python for scientific computing?

Fortran is traditionally used for high-performance computing, especially in numerical and scientific applications. Python, on the other hand, is more versatile and user-friendly, with a rich ecosystem of libraries like NumPy and SciPy that support scientific computing.

Which one is faster for numerical calculations?

Fortran generally has better performance for numerical calculations due to its optimization for array operations and lower-level access to hardware. However, Python can be competitive when using optimized libraries.

Is Python suitable for large-scale simulations?

Yes, Python can be used for large-scale simulations, especially with libraries like Dask for parallel computing. However, Fortran might still be preferred for extremely performance-critical applications.

What about community support and libraries?

Python has a larger community and a vast array of libraries for various applications, making it easier to find resources and support. Fortran has a smaller community but is still strong in specific scientific domains.