Fortran → C++ System Translation
WGU Excellence AwardReimplemented a legacy Fortran system in object-oriented C++, preserving exact behavior and output through validation.
Project Overview
This project involved re-implementing a legacy Fortran application in modern C++, preserving exact behavior, calculations, and output.
- Re-architected procedural Fortran code into an object-oriented C++ design
- Resolved linker and build issues encountered during development
- Identified and corrected differences in numerical precision between languages
- Validated results using output comparison to ensure exact equivalence with the original
Why C++?
I chose C++ because it is widely used in scientific and engineering systems, similar to Fortran. It allowed me to match the performance and numerical behavior of the original program while working within a modern language.
What I Learned
This project reinforced several important concepts that go beyond writing code:
Translating code requires understanding behavior, not just syntax — two languages can express the same logic very differently.
Small differences in numerical precision can significantly affect results — this is especially critical in systems where output accuracy matters.
Debugging build and runtime issues is a critical part of development, not an edge case — it's where real understanding of a system is built.
Validation and testing are essential when working with system-level code — equivalence checking was the only way to confirm correctness.
It also strengthened my understanding of object-oriented design and how to structure code for clarity and maintainability.
Tools & Technologies
This project reflects my approach to software engineering: understanding systems deeply, identifying root causes, and building solutions that behave reliably in real-world conditions.