Variable Format Expressions (<e>)

In general, inside a FORMAT statement, any integer constant can be replaced by an arbitrary expression. @

The expression itself must be enclosed in angle brackets.

For example, the 6 in:

1	FORMAT( 3F6.1 ) 

can be replaced by the variable N, as in:

1	FORMAT( 3F<N>.1 )

or by the slightly more complicated expression 2*N+M, as in:

1	FORMAT( 3F<2*N+M>.1 )

Similarly, the 3 or 1 can be replaced by any expression.

The single exception is the n in an nH... edit descriptor.

The rules and restrictions for variable format expressions are:

• The expression is reevaluated each time it is encountered in a format scan.

• If necessary, the expression is converted to integer type.

• Any valid FORTRAN expression is allowed, including function calls.

• Variable expressions are not allowed in formats generated at runtime.

• The n in an nH... edit descriptor cannot be a variable expression.