Mathematical Software

Book excerpt: Mathematical Software deals with software designed for mathematical applications such as Fortran, CADRE, SQUARS, and DESUB. The distribution and sources of mathematical software are discussed, along with number representation and significance monitoring. User-modifiable software and non-standard arithmetic programs are also considered. Comprised of nine chapters, this volume begins with a historical background in the form of a chronological list of events that trace the development of computing in general and mathematical software in particular. The next chapter examines where and how mathematical software is being created and how it is being disseminated to eventual consumers. A number of important shortcomings are identified. The future of mathematical software and the challenges facing mathematical software are then discussed. Subsequent chapters focus on the point of view of people outside the professional community of mathematical software; the monitoring of significance in computation and its relation to number representation; libraries of mathematical software; and the automation of numerical analysis. Eleven algorithms for numerical quadrature are also compared. This book should be of considerable interest to students and specialists in the fields of mathematics and computer science.