Rationale for co-arrays in Fortran 2008

Abstract

This paper explains some of the technical decisions made during the incorporation of co-arrays in Fortran 2008. Familiarity with John Reid's summary of co-arrays [R07] is assumed. This document is by no means exhaustive: It is a selection of issues from my recollection. This article is not an official document and has not been approved by J3 or WG5. Many thanks to John Reid and Bill Long for helping me write this Rationale.