3.2 Derived Data Types

You can create derived data types from intrinsic data types or previously defined derived types.

A derived type is resolved into "ultimate" components that are either of intrinsic type or are pointers.

The set of values for a specific derived type consists of all possible sequences of component values permitted by the definition of that derived type. Structure constructors are used to specify values of derived types.

Nonintrinsic assignment for derived-type entities must be defined by a subroutine with an ASSIGNMENT interface. Any operation on derived-type entities must be defined by a function with an OPERATOR interface. Arguments and function values can be of any intrinsic or derived type.

For More Information:

• On structure components, see Section 3.2.3.
  
  
• On structure constructors, see Section 3.2.4.
  
  
• On OPERATOR interfaces, see Section 8.9.4.
  
  
• On ASSIGNMENT interfaces, see Section 8.9.5.
  
  
• On intrinsic assignment of derived types, see Section 4.2.1.4.
  
  
• On record structures, see Section B.12.