Why Fortran is a Cornerstone of Programming History

Let's talk about Fortran, shall we? This programming language, short for "Formula Translation", is like the grandparent of high-level languages—it’s old, but incredibly important. Developed way back in 1957 by a crew of clever programmers at IBM, Fortran wasn’t just a technical achievement; it represented a pivotal shift in how we communicated with computers. You see, before Fortran, programming was like trying to communicate in a complex, ancient dialect—only the most rugged techies could decode the language of machines.

Now, what’s interesting is that Fortran was developed using machine language, but wait! That’s a bit of a twist because Fortran itself isn’t machine language; it's a high-level language designed to simplify programming tasks especially for scientific and engineering applications. So, let’s clear up that little confusion right off the bat. Machine language is the most elemental form of programming—ones and zeroes that tell the CPU directly what to do. Writing in machine language could feel like trying to hold a conversation in Morse code—super tedious and way too complex for most folks.

But here’s the kicker: Fortran simplified everything. It was created at a time when assembly language was the better-known low-level option. Once programmers got a taste of Fortran’s usability, they were hooked. It let users write code that resembled English, which is a huge relief when you’re more focused on solving a scientific problem than getting tangled up in code intricacies.

Now, the question stands: What type of programming language was Fortran first developed in? While machine language (D) is the most primitive, Fortran itself emerged as a high-level language. So, you might be scratching your head wondering how come Fortran shares a lineage with something so basic. That's because it was often coded into machine language, yet set itself apart by allowing better abstraction.

Flying through the decades, Fortran paved the way, but it wasn’t the only game in town. Languages like C and BASIC eventually swooped in to join the roster—both high-level and easier to use in different domains. C became popular in systems programming, while BASIC gave programming powers to a whole generation of beginners. Both were molded by Fortran's legacy.

As you gear up for your Information Systems and Computer Applications CLEP exam, it’s crucial to grasp these foundational concepts. Understanding where Fortran fits in the grand scheme of programming history not only strengthens your knowledge but also enhances your coding intuition.

So, whether you’re treading through the scope of programming languages or diving into software for scientific applications, remember that Fortran was a trailblazer. It taught the world that programming didn’t have to be insurmountable. It created a pathway for many high-level languages that followed. The progress is continuous, and who knows what the next programming revolution will look like? In learning from Fortran, you’re not just studying a language; you’re opening a window into the evolution of technology itself.

In short, Fortran isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a symbol of progress and adaptation in the world of computing. The journey of programming languages reflects humanity's incredible desire to make innovation accessible. Remember, every line of code written today stands on the shoulders of giants like Fortran!