Guidance on Using Intel Fortran Compiler (ifx) with VS Code for DLL Development

[KVS-Surya-Teja]

Dear Intel Support Team,

I am a researcher working with ANSYS AQWA + SpaceClaim on a wave energy project. As part of this work, I need to create custom DLLs to extend ANSYS functionality by coupling it with additional Fortran-based solvers.

I understand that the Intel Fortran Compiler (ifx) is the most widely recommended compiler for DLL development in ANSYS Applications. However, I primarily use Visual Studio Code (with Python as the orchestrator for my parametric study), rather than full Visual Studio.

My workflow requires:

1. Writing .f90 source files.

2. Compiling them into .dll files using ifx.

3. Iteratively updating parameters in the .f90 file via Python and rebuilding DLLs for my parametric simulation study.

My questions are:

1. Can I reliably use VS Code as my IDE for editing/debugging while compiling with ifx from the command line?

2. What is the minimal required setup for ifx + linker support if I do not install full Visual Studio (e.g., would Visual Studio Build Tools with MSVC linker be sufficient)?

3. Could you point me to an official reference or guide on building DLLs with ifx in a VS Code + command-line workflow, (if possible, specifically for use with ANSYS)?

My aim is to ensure the setup is robust and supported, since this workflow will run thousands of iterations across multiple machines.

Thank you for your guidance.

Sincerely,
Kodidasu Viveka Siva Surya Teja
Independent Researcher

[bmchenrync]

I would suggest you do idx development in the Visual Studio instead of the command line.

why go to a DOS screen to compile?

and

many many additional tools you can use to make the most efficient code possible.

I have C++ EXEs and DLLS as the driver/dialogs and graphics for my IFX DLL code  so expect Python can be used easily too.

Obviously if someone has 

• an official reference or guide on building DLLs with ifx in a VS Code + command-line workflow, (if possible, specifically for use with ANSYS)?

I expect that will help you immensely too!