The Numerical Mathematics Consortium has announced the latest update of its technical specification that defines an open mathematics semantics standard for the development of numerical algorithms.
The revision features newly-ratified functions from classes that include discrete transforms, special functions, Boolean operations, comparison operations and trigonometry. In addition, the consortium released new technical documents and a revised function list to clarify how to specify and document function definitions.
John Pasquarette, director of software marketing at National Instruments, said: 'The revised specification also is the result of a healthy collaboration among a diverse, international group of mathematicians and software architects whose differing perspectives ensure that the effort is well thought out and broadly applicable.'
The newly-resolved technical issues address practical topics related to algorithm design and compliance with the standard. For instance, the draft standard defines a consistent set of data types that lay out a uniform meaning for the input and output parameters of the defined functions. Defining these data types ensures consistent implementation and establishes guidelines that will improve the rate of progress for the definition of new functions.
The revised draft standard also offers a solid framework encouraging both academic and industry participation in the development of the standard. The third draft revision is available for public review on the Numerical Mathematics Consortium website, http://www.nmconsortium.org/