The main feature dBase has over Fortran is ability to load data much more easily in data files, and ability to massage the data manually without having to write an executable.
Every time I modified data in a Fortran program, I had to RECOMPLILE the entire program! In dBase I could delete or add data without having to recompile.
20 year COBOL developer.
I remember that. Just like storing data in binary or packed format to save storage.
Interpretive languages are great — but sadly when they don’t require strong typing developers get lazy.
I ALWAYS declare no matter what the language.