This text serves as a comprehensive technical manual designed to instruct programmers in the syntax, features, and practical application of the Fortran 90 programming language. The authors, who served as members of the Fortran 90 ANSI and ISO committees, utilize their direct involvement in the language's standardization to provide an authoritative framework for both novice and experienced developers. The book emphasizes the transition from older Fortran standards to the modern capabilities introduced in the 90 specification.

Experts and practitioners frequently cite this work as a foundational reference due to the authors' direct roles in the language's development. Readers often note the technical precision of the prose, which provides a reliable resource for understanding the specific design intentions behind the Fortran 90 standard.