Brian Ford

Parameterization of the Environment for Transportable Numerical Software

Edttors Note. This paper is a product of the IFIP Working Group on Numerical Software (WG 2 5) and has been approved by Techmcal Committee 2 of IFIP. A standard set of names and deflnihons is presented for machine parameters One of the purposes of TOMS Is to promote the interchange of algorithms, and machine parameterization is an important aspect of this. Authors are encouraged to adopt these names and definitions, and after a statable transition period, algorithms pubhshed in TOMS must adhere to this standard.--J R.R.

The NAG library ‘machine’

If a reliable, high quality numerical algorithms library is to be developed then it is essential that we recognize the need for collaboration between different technical communities in the development of the library. This paper suggests an ultimate design for the library and describes the implications of that design for the people involved in the development of the library.

Developing a Single Numerical Algorithms Library for Different Machine Ranges

The Numerical Algorithms Group (NAG) is a British venture, started five years ago, to provide a good numerical algorithms library for users of computers in British universities. As the universities have computers from different machine ranges, the development of a single library for the various machines has presented five major problems. The first is administrative and is not discussed. Algorithm selection and coding and the subsequent testing of the coded routine cause a number of problems which are treated in detail. Finally the fifth difficulty, that of maintaining the library in a reliable, safe, and convenient form is mentioned and reference is made to the NAG Master Library File System.

Parameterization of the environment for transportable numerical software

An early draft of this note was used as a discussion document during the first meeting of the IFIP Working Group on Numerical Software (WG 2.5) in Oxford in January 1975. The meeting requested a precise specification of the purpose of the note and suggested a number of other improvements which led to a second draft. Written comment led to further changes. A third draft was discussed during a workshop on transportable numerical software in the Applied Mathematics Division of the Argonne National Laboratory in August 1975. A fourth draft was written in January 1976 and distributed widely for comment and criticism. Discussion at the NSF/ERDA workshop on portability of numerical software and at the second meeting of the IFIP WG 2.5 (both in June 1976), together with correspondence from other parties led to the preparation of the present document. Although some of the comment was contradictory, it is our belief that this final document represents a consensus view.

The nag library "machine"

Since its inception the Numerical Algorithms Group (NAG) Project has pursued four aims:(i) To create a balanced, general purpose numerical algorithms library to meet the mathematical and statistical requirements of computer users.(ii) To support the Library with documentation giving advice on problem identification and algorithm selection, and on the use of each routine.(iii) To provide a test program library for certification of the Library.(iv) To implement the Library as widely as user demand required.

Numerical algorithm delivery mechanisms

We consider the changing face of computing and the evolving interface of numerical algorithms from subroutines to: •spreadsheets,•high-level scripting languages,•visual programming,•Web browsers.

On the Enhancement of Portability within the NAG Project - Statistical Survey

We present the results of a statistical survey carried out on the contents of a numerical algorithms library. The purpose of the investigation is to assist in the development of a portable body of code.

Preparing the NAG library

If a reliable, high quality numerical algorithm library is to be developed then it is essential that we recognise the need for collaboration between different technical communities in the development of the library. This paper suggests an ultimate design for the library and describes the implications of that design for the people involved in the development of the library.

Numerical knowledge-based systems

This paper describes the background to, and current progress in, the development of knowledge-based front-ends for existing numerical and statistical software with which the Numerical Algorithms Group (NAG) is involved.

Issues in license agreements for numerical program libraries

During the past decade, several organizations have developed high quality libraries of mathematical subroutines that are either portable or well supported on a variety of important computers. Although some progress has been made in persuading practitioners to use these libraries, it has become apparent that the licensing contracts and negotiations are a serious barrier to their acceptance. It is essential to have a contract to define the product and service being offered and the relationship between the producer and the customer. Yet, in more than a few cases, prospective customers have found it impossible to accept restrictions that the producers consider barely adequate to protect their most fundamental interests. In other cases, the bargaining may continue for months or even years before agreement is reached.