MuPAD - Dynamic Modules [1]

The concept of Dynamic Modules

Andreas Sorgatz (andi@uni-paderborn.de) - 30. Nov. 1996


Dynamic modules enable the user to integrate C++ functions and other software packages into MuPAD. For this no interprocess communication is used, but the concept of dynamic linking. This is an extremly fast method to call external functions and to pass even large arguments. This concept allows MuPAD users truly to extend the MuPAD kernel. By utilizing the so-called MuPAD-Toolbox it is quite easy to develop Dynamic Modules.

[Introduction] -- [Examples] -- [Appendix]

Introduction

Dynamic modules are supported on nearly all UNIX plattforms and - with the current developer version of MuPAD - on Apple Macintosh PowerPC System 7.5 and for Windows 95.

During a MuPAD session dynamic modules are used in the same way as MuPAD library packages. The only difference is that instead of loadlib, the function loadmod is used. In addtion to this the function unloadmod allows to unload the machine code of a dynamic module - i.e. it is removed from MuPAD and the memory. If it is needed later during the MuPAD session it reloaded automatically (load on demand).

Available for MuPAD Release 1.3.

History Of Dynamic Modules

The concept of dynamic modules was developed by the MuPAD group in order to increase the efficiency and flexibility of computer algebra systems. A first stable implementation was implemented with MuPAD Release 1.2.2 (refer to [1]). With release 1.2.9 it was made available to the MuPAD users (refer to Magnum [2]). English documentation and a Programmier's Guide is planned for spring 1997.

Some Examples Of Dynamic Modules

The following examples demonstrate the usage and creation of dynamic modules on UNIX systems. On Apple Macintosh and Windows 95 the task to create modules differs slighlty.

A first and very simple example

A date function for MuPAD

Integration of Magnum in MuPAD

Fast polynomial facorization over Fp

Using the NAGC Library in MuPAD

Algorithms for numerical calculations

How to create MuPAD scanners with (f)lex

for analyzing (mathematical) input files

Dragon curves

nice fractal images

Appendix

Bibliography

[1] Dynamische Module, A. Sorgatz, MuPAD Reports, Teubner Verlag, Stuttgart, Oktober 1996 (in German). http://math-www.uni-paderborn.de/MuPAD/BIB/sorgatz96.html
[2] Spiel (fast) ohne Grenzen, A. Sorgatz, to appear in Linux Magazin, Ausgabe 01/97 (in German).


Author: Andreas Sorgatz (andi@uni-paderborn.de)
Last update: 11. Dec. 1996