MP: a protocol for efficient exchange of mathematical expressions

ABSTRACT

The Multi Protocol (MP) is designed for integrating symbolic, numeric, graphics, document processing, and other tools for scientific computation, into a single distributed problem-solving environment. MP is layered, reflecting the logically distinct aspects of tool integration. Data representation issues are addressed by specifying a set of basic data types and a mechanism for constructing non-basic types. MP passes all data in the form of annotated parse trees. The parse tree provides a simple, flexible and tool-independent way to represent and exchange data, and annotations provide a powerful and generic expressive facility for transmitting additional information. MP also provides efficient encodings for numeric data and includes different types of optimizations to reduce the cost of exchanging data. The optimizations are important when transmitting large expressions typically encountered in symbolic and numeric computation. MP is extensible. Users can define additional sets of operators and annotations as well as tailor the generic optimization mechanisms to efficiently encode their own data structures. A clear distinction between MP-defined and user-defined definitions is enforced.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.1 SYMBOLIC AND ALGEBRAIC MANIPULATION
      I.1.3 Languages and Systems
          Subjects: Special-purpose algebraic systems

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: C

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.1 SYMBOLIC AND ALGEBRAIC MANIPULATION
      I.1.3 Languages and Systems

          Nouns: Maple

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages, Performance