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1 Introduction to CALIB.

CALIB stands for Computer Algebra LIBrary. It is a software library that can be invoked by and linked with other programs, providing various algorithms performing algebraic operations. Unlike typical programming languages or calculators (that perform arithmetic only on “numbers”), CALIB’s operations are symbolic — like one would work algebra or calculus problems using pencil and paper.

CALIB is an experiment in one particular manner of structuring a collection of algorithms for computer algebra. Having examined a few other computer algebra systems, the author has found some of these to be “architectural messes” internally. CALIB is an attempt to bring some order to this perceived chaos. Your mileage may vary regarding the extent to which CALIB has succeeded with this goal.

CALIB does not claim to provide algorithms that are state-of-the-art. Some of the methods are ancient, while others are fairly modern. CALIB includes sample applications that demonstrate its practical utility at solving real-world algebraic problems with quite reasonable efficiency.