Best tool: for a secure math Intensive app

[squidward]

I've got a freind who is a "genius" in his field of work. He has developed his own formulas for designing X. It is very math intensive.

He is interested in developing and selling software that allows others to use his knowledge. He wants to use Fortran, "because it handles memory better" ...but I really think he wants Fortran because that is what he's familiar with. He started out with punch cards.

With todays modern systems, I think almost any language will do. Agree? Alternatives?

I was thinking of Java. Concern: Do byte-code obfuscators really make secure code? I'd hate to see this gents years of hard built intellectual property become freeware.

[stoffe]

Fortran is a great language for maths, isn't it? Java isn't. Why not let him use what he knows? It may still be just the right tool for the job, which can be verified by the fact that many do use it still for specialized tasks.

Java is easily reversible, there's plenty of programs that can do that, if that is a concern. JAD is the classic one, I think. http://www.kpdus.com/jad.html

[veraction]

Don't know anything about FORTRAN, but I did hear that for some math applications, FORTRAN has specialized compilers that cause the programs to run quite a bit faster than C.

For my math type programs, I use C with GMP (http://www.swox.com/gmp/).

And yeah, I don't see why he shouldn't stick with he knows (language-wise)

[edit] and yes, I wouldn't recommend java, specially if concerned about decompiling

[thumper]

Building libraries for sale is not really a viable business model these days.

Personally I'd suggest an open source approach and charge to add specific details.