Sequential file processing in fortran IV

The standard I/O facility for sequential disk/tape file handling in a Fortran IV IBM 360/370 Disk Operating System environment has some marked shortcomings, the most serious of which is that blocking of records is not provided for. This paper describes SAMFOR 4 (Sequential Access Method in Fortran IV), a set of Fortran callable subprograms and a file declaration facility that enables the Fortran programmer to access and create ‘standard’ sequential files. Thus inter language compatibility of files is obtained. A manyfold increase in effectiveness may also be achieved.