cglur@onwe.co.za wrote:
> > My request for explanation/example of 'gsl extension to pop-11'
> > received no reply.
"Graham Higgins" <gjh@bel-epa.com> wrote:
> At a guess (google, given 'gsl' returns) ,,,
>
> GSL -- The GNU Scientific Library. ... gsl is free software. It is distributed
> under the terms of the GNU General Public License. What is gsl? ...
> Description:
> A collection of routines for numerical computing, written in ANSI C.
OK, Good.
> > My initial guess that it refered to greater mathematical functionality,
> > is apparently wrong ? A superficial look suggests that there's already
> > substantial maths capability.
>
> Substantial but possibly still not enough and why re-invent a wheel.
Yes.
Presumably 'senior member(s)' have judged that the cost/benefit says
do-it.
What skill set do we need ?
1. C fluency ? I'm not enthusiatic about C.
2. Numerical computing ? I majored in math (& compt Sc ) 25 years ago
and did some numerical computing courses. But I'm guessing that
porting to poplog does not require understanding the inners of the
algorithms. Hopefully a standardised/cannonical suite of tests exists:
this is an example of what I mean by "formality" vs. "free-form arty".
3. Experience in porting software between systems ?
I've ported my pascal-subset: compiler, editor, VM (p-code interpreter)
to several machines - pre 1985. This was a pioneering effort, and
would be done today in a formal (as proven and documented from
experiences of others) manner.
So 'not re-inventing a wheel' applies also at the level of planning, design,
management of the project.
1. What info has been gathered so for by those who decided that gsl
is worth doing ?
2. How do you imagine the project should proceed ?
Chris Glur.
PS. consider also possible spin-off benefits:
the expertise built, can be used for other than the gsl project.
Was the reported 'index out of bounds' problem ever fixed ?
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