# Dummy Procedure Arguments

If an actual argument is a procedure, its corresponding dummy argument is a dummy procedure. Dummy procedures can appear in function or subroutine subprograms.

The actual argument must be the specific name of an external, module, intrinsic, or another dummy procedure. If the specific name is also a generic name, only the specific name is associated with the dummy argument. Not all specific intrinsic procedures can appear as actual arguments. (For more information, see table Specific Functions Not Allowed as Actual Arguments in Intrinsic Procedures.)

The actual argument and corresponding dummy procedure must both be subroutines or both be functions.

If the interface of the dummy procedure is explicit, the type and kind parameters, and rank of the associated actual procedure must be the same as that of the dummy procedure.

If the interface of the dummy procedure is implicit and the procedure is referenced as a subroutine, the actual argument must be a subroutine or a dummy procedure.

If the interface of the dummy procedure is implicit and the procedure is referenced as a function or is explicitly typed, the actual argument must be a function or a dummy procedure.

Dummy procedures can be declared optional, but they must not be declared with an intent.

The following is an example of a procedure used as an argument:

      REAL FUNCTION LGFUNC(BAR)
        INTERFACE
          REAL FUNCTION BAR(Y)
            REAL, INTENT(IN) :: Y
          END
        END INTERFACE
        ...
        LGFUNC = BAR(2.0)
        ...
      END FUNCTION LGFUNC

Parent topic: Argument Association in Procedures

## See Also

Argument association for details on general rules for procedure argument association