Numerical Software Tools In C

Here is a timely new book about how to apply the concept of software tools to numerical programming. Numerical software tools are numerical programs and program modules which work together so that a collection of such programs becomes a superset of the typical FORTRAN callable library. The interface between the programs and the user is kept simple. The packaging of the numerical functions as discrete programs or program modules simplifies the writing of numerical applications software by making more software reusable.

Among its many features the book:

• contains a brief introduction to C, stressing those aspects of the language most useful to producing numerical software
• presents 3 programs for performing linear algebraic operations on vector and matrix data
• discusses a simple program for plotting the results of numerical studies
• contains tools for nonlinear optimization
• includes numerical tools for integrating differential equations
• illustrates how the numerical tools can be combined to solve problems from the real world of science and engineering

• Preface: What Are Numerical Software Tools and Why Program Them in C?

1. C: The Basics
2. Some Vector and Matrix Tools
3. Exchanging Vector and Matrix Data
4. A Graphical Interlude
5. Finding Optima to Nonlinear Functions
6. Solving Differential Equations

I am not impressed, but it could be a lot worse.