character(len=3) :: emname(nmin)=(/'bar','baz'/) common/nmstr/emname end currently gfortran prints:
Error: Previously initialized symbol 'emname' in COMMON block 'nmstr' at (1) If find the error message of NAG f95 better, which mentions that BLOCK DATA can be used: Error: EMNAME has been initialised - can only be COMMON in BLOCK DATA -- Summary: initialized symbol in common: Better error message Product: gcc Version: 4.3.0 Status: UNCONFIRMED Keywords: diagnostic Severity: enhancement Priority: P3 Component: fortran AssignedTo: unassigned at gcc dot gnu dot org ReportedBy: burnus at gcc dot gnu dot org http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=34227