Using Arrays

  An array element reference must always use the same number of subscripts as the number of dimensions declared for the array. Each subscript can be an integer expression of any complexity, but there are restrictions on functions with side effects (see section 9.3).

An array element reference is only valid if all of the subscript expressions are defined and if each one is in the range declared for it. An array element can only be used in an expression if a value for it has been defined. A DATA statement (section 12) can be used to define an initial value for an entire array or any set of elements.

An array can be used without subscripts:

• in a specification statement such as a type, DIMENSION, or SAVE statement;
• in a function reference or CALL statement: this transfers the whole of the array to the associated dummy argument (which must have a compatible array declaration);
• in the data transfer list of a READ or WRITE statement: this causes the whole array to be input or output. This is not permitted for an assumed size dummy argument array.
• as a unit identifier in a READ or WRITE statement: a character array is then an internal file with one record per element.
• as a format identifier in a READ or WRITE statement: the format specification is contained in the character array with its elements taken in sequence.