How do I use Atlas to debug a frozen `fpm test` in Fortran?

Run `atlas bash 'fpm test'` and examine the `shell_metadata` block if it times out. Atlas will tell you if `fpm test (test-drive)` was blocked on interactive input or genuinely slow, guiding you to either add non-interactive flags or increase the timeout.

What if my Fortran `fpm build` is genuinely slow, not blocked?

If Atlas's `shell_metadata` indicates a timeout without mentioning interactive input, your `fpm build` is genuinely slow. Atlas will instruct you to retry the command with a larger timeout value, specified in milliseconds, to allow it to complete.

Can Atlas prevent `fpm` from prompting for input during Fortran script execution?

Yes, if Atlas diagnoses a Fortran command as blocked on interactive input, it will guide you to re-run it with appropriate non-interactive flags like `--no-input` or `-y`, if supported by the specific `fpm` subcommand or your Fortran script.

How does Atlas ensure safety when running Fortran commands like `fprettify`?

Atlas uses a permission-gated system (allow, ask, deny) for every tool call, including `fpm` and `fprettify`. It also drafts plans in a read-only agent and presents unified diffs for approval before writing any changes to your Fortran codebase.

What Fortran versions and features does Atlas support for diagnosis?

Atlas supports modern Fortran, from legacy FIXED-form numerics to modules, explicit interfaces, and coarrays. It integrates with the Fortran Package Manager (`fpm`) and can read your `fpm.toml` project structure.

How does Atlas distinguish between a user-aborted Fortran command and a timeout?

If you manually interrupt a Fortran command running through Atlas, the `shell_metadata` block will explicitly state "User aborted the command," providing a clear distinction from an automatic timeout.

Diagnose a Hanging or Long-Running Fortran Command with Atlas in 2026

Fortran developers in 2026 can use Atlas to precisely diagnose whether an `fpm` build, `fpm test` run, or any Fortran script is genuinely slow or silently blocked on interactive input, and then get it unstuck. Atlas's terminal-native AI agent integrates directly with your Fortran toolchain, including `fpm` and `fpm test (test-drive)`, to provide clear diagnostics and actionable steps.

How Atlas Diagnoses Hanging Fortran Builds and Scripts

Atlas, the terminal-native AI coding agent, helps Fortran developers in 2026 diagnose unresponsive `fpm` commands by racing every execution against a timeout. If a command like `fpm build` or `fpm test` exceeds this limit, Atlas provides a detailed `shell_metadata` block, explicitly stating if it was blocked on interactive input or simply ran too long.

When you execute a Fortran command through Atlas's `bash` tool, such as `atlas bash 'fpm build'`, Atlas monitors its execution. If the command does not complete within a predefined timeout, Atlas intervenes. It doesn't just kill the process; it analyzes the state and provides a `shell_metadata` block in its output. This block is crucial for Fortran developers, as it clearly distinguishes between a command that is genuinely slow and one that is silently waiting for interactive input. For instance, if `fpm test (test-drive)` is blocked, the metadata will explicitly call out the interactive-input case, guiding you to re-run it with non-interactive flags. This immediate, precise diagnosis saves significant debugging time compared to manually waiting for a Fortran compilation or test run to complete.

Identifying Blocked Fortran Commands with Atlas's Bash Tool

Atlas's `bash` tool is instrumental for Fortran developers to identify commands blocked on input, a common issue with `fpm` scripts or builds. By running `atlas bash 'fpm run my_script'`, if the command hangs for even 1 second beyond its timeout, Atlas's `shell_metadata` will explicitly state it was waiting for interactive input, preventing wasted time on a silent prompt.

A frequent cause of 'hanging' Fortran commands, especially during `fpm build` or `fpm test (test-drive)` execution, is a silent prompt for user input. Atlas's `bash` tool is designed to detect this specific scenario. When a command times out, the `shell_metadata` block in Atlas's output will contain a message indicating that the command was likely blocked on interactive input. This clear diagnosis is invaluable. For example, if your Fortran application, compiled with `gfortran` via `fpm`, attempts to read from `stdin` without a preceding prompt, it will appear to hang. Atlas identifies this, allowing you to immediately re-run the command with appropriate non-interactive flags, such as `--no-input` or `-y` if supported by the specific `fpm` subcommand or your Fortran script's arguments, to bypass the prompt and proceed.

Resolving Slow Fortran fpm Operations with Atlas

When a Fortran `fpm` operation, like a large `fpm build` or a comprehensive `fpm test (test-drive)` suite, is genuinely slow rather than blocked, Atlas provides clear guidance. The `shell_metadata` block will instruct you to retry the command with a larger timeout value, for example, 60000 milliseconds for a minute-long task, allowing you to accommodate long-running tasks without premature termination.

Not all long-running Fortran commands are blocked; some, especially complex `fpm build` processes involving many modules or extensive `fpm test (test-drive)` suites, are simply computationally intensive. Atlas's diagnostic output distinguishes this from interactive input blocks. If the `shell_metadata` indicates a timeout without mentioning interactive input, it means the command was still actively running when the timeout expired. In such cases, Atlas's message will explicitly suggest retrying the command with an increased timeout value. You can adjust this value, typically in milliseconds, to match the expected duration of your Fortran compilation or test run. This iterative approach, guided by Atlas, ensures that genuinely slow operations are given sufficient time to complete, rather than being misdiagnosed as failures.

Atlas's Safety and Review for Fortran Toolchain Interactions

Atlas ensures safety and transparency when interacting with your Fortran toolchain, including `fpm` and `fprettify`, through a robust permission-gated system. Every Atlas tool call, such as running `fpm test` or applying `fprettify` formatting, is subject to allow, ask, or deny rules, giving you 100% control over agent actions before they execute.

Working with an AI agent requires trust and control, especially when it's executing commands like `fpm build` or modifying Fortran source files. Atlas is built with safety at its core. Before any tool call, including those involving `fpm`, `gfortran` diagnostics, or `fprettify` formatting, Atlas consults its permission-gated system. You can configure these permissions as `allow`, `ask`, or `deny`. This means Atlas will always ask for your explicit approval before running `fpm test (test-drive)` or applying changes. Furthermore, Atlas drafts a plan in a read-only plan agent before switching to a build agent, and it computes a unified diff for every file edit, surfacing it for your approval before writing. This comprehensive review process ensures that you maintain complete oversight and can approve or roll back any changes, such as moving a `COMMON` block into a module or adding `test-drive` unit tests under `test/`, with confidence.

Step by step

01Run your Fortran command through Atlas's `bash` tool: Execute your `fpm build`, `fpm test`, or custom Fortran script using `atlas bash 'your_fortran_command_here'`. Atlas will race this command against a default timeout.
02Examine the `shell_metadata` block for diagnosis: When the command times out, Atlas's output will include a `shell_metadata` block. Read this block to determine if the command was "blocked on interactive input" or simply "timed out" due to being genuinely slow.
03If blocked, re-run with non-interactive flags: If the metadata indicates interactive input, re-execute your Fortran command through Atlas's `bash` tool, adding non-interactive flags like `--no-input` or `-y` (if supported by your `fpm` subcommand or Fortran script) to prevent it from prompting. For example: `atlas bash 'fpm run my_app --no-input'`.
04If genuinely slow, retry with a larger timeout: If the metadata shows a general timeout without mentioning interactive input, retry the command with an increased timeout value. Atlas's message will instruct you on how to specify this in milliseconds. For instance: `atlas bash --timeout 120000 'fpm test'` for a 2-minute timeout.
05Distinguish user aborts from timeouts: If you manually interrupt a Fortran command running via Atlas, the `shell_metadata` will explicitly state "User aborted the command," clearly differentiating your action from an automatic timeout.
06Review and approve Atlas's proposed Fortran code changes: If Atlas suggests modifications, such as refactoring a `COMMON` block into a Fortran module or adding `test-drive` unit tests under `test/`, it will present a unified diff for your approval before writing any changes to your `fpm.toml` project or Fortran source files.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use Atlas to debug a frozen `fpm test` in Fortran?: Run `atlas bash 'fpm test'` and examine the `shell_metadata` block if it times out. Atlas will tell you if `fpm test (test-drive)` was blocked on interactive input or genuinely slow, guiding you to either add non-interactive flags or increase the timeout.
What if my Fortran `fpm build` is genuinely slow, not blocked?: If Atlas's `shell_metadata` indicates a timeout without mentioning interactive input, your `fpm build` is genuinely slow. Atlas will instruct you to retry the command with a larger timeout value, specified in milliseconds, to allow it to complete.
Can Atlas prevent `fpm` from prompting for input during Fortran script execution?: Yes, if Atlas diagnoses a Fortran command as blocked on interactive input, it will guide you to re-run it with appropriate non-interactive flags like `--no-input` or `-y`, if supported by the specific `fpm` subcommand or your Fortran script.
How does Atlas ensure safety when running Fortran commands like `fprettify`?: Atlas uses a permission-gated system (allow, ask, deny) for every tool call, including `fpm` and `fprettify`. It also drafts plans in a read-only agent and presents unified diffs for approval before writing any changes to your Fortran codebase.
What Fortran versions and features does Atlas support for diagnosis?: Atlas supports modern Fortran, from legacy FIXED-form numerics to modules, explicit interfaces, and coarrays. It integrates with the Fortran Package Manager (`fpm`) and can read your `fpm.toml` project structure.
How does Atlas distinguish between a user-aborted Fortran command and a timeout?: If you manually interrupt a Fortran command running through Atlas, the `shell_metadata` block will explicitly state "User aborted the command," providing a clear distinction from an automatic timeout.
Can Atlas help refactor Fortran code, like moving `COMMON` blocks?: Yes, Atlas can assist with Fortran refactoring tasks, such as moving a `COMMON` block into a module or adding `test-drive` unit tests under `test/`, always presenting a diff for your approval before applying changes.

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