Q148185: BUG: FOR3852 Syntax Error Caused by Semicolon in Source Line

Article: Q148185
Product(s): Microsoft Fortran Compiler
Version(s): 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbFortranPS kbLangFortrankbbuglist
Last Modified: 03-NOV-1999

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Fortran PowerStation for Windows 95 and Windows NT, version 4.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

Compiling source code that contains a line that holds only a semicolon causes
the following compile-time syntax error message:

  error FOR3852: syntax error

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the
beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new
information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION
================

Usually semicolons are used to separate FORTRAN statements on the same line.
Although not useful, the FORTRAN standard considers a semicolon on a source line
by itself to be a valid use of the language. Therefore, any source lines
containing only a semicolon should compile without any errors.

The following code illustrates the problem:

  C Compile options needed: none

        program semicolon
        ;              ! Compiler syntax error
        end

The following code demonstrates the intended use of semicolons:

  C Compile options needed: none

        program semicolon
        write(*,*) 'Hello,' ; write(*,*) ' World'
        end

Additional query words: 4.00

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbFortranPS kbLangFortran kbbuglist
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbPTProdChange kbFortranSearch kbFORTRANPower400NT
Version           : :4.0

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.