Re: [boost] RFC: Multiprecision arithmetic library

Subject: Re: [boost] RFC: Multiprecision arithmetic library
From: Dave Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2011-12-23 10:12:54

on Thu Dec 22 2011, John Maddock <boost.regex-AT-virgin.net> wrote:

> Folks,
>
> I'd like to get some feedback on a multiprecision arithmetic library
> I've been preparing for possible Boost inclusion.  The code is in the
> sandbox under the "big_number" directory.  Docs can be viewed online
> here:
> http://svn.boost.org/svn/boost/sandbox/big_number/libs/multiprecision/doc/html/boost_multiprecision/intro.html
>
> The main features are:
>
> * A generic front-end that's capable of wrapping almost any type
> that's a "number".  The front end is expression template enabled and
> handles all the expression optimization and code reduction.  For
> example it's possible to evaluate a polynomial using Horner's rule
> without a single temporary variable being created.
> * A series of backends that need only provide a reduced interface and
> set of operations, implement the actual arithmetic, currently
> supported backends are:
>
> Integer Types
> ~~~~~~~~~
> 1/ GMP (MPZ).
> 2/ libtommath.
>
> Rational Types
> ~~~~~~~~~~
> 1/ GMP (MPQ).
> [ But note that the integer types can also be used as template
> aruments to Boost.Rational ]
>
> Floating Point Types
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> 1/ GMP (MPF)
> 2/ MPFR
> 3/ cpp_float - an all C++ Boost-licensed backend based on Christopher
> Kormanyos' e_float code.
> [ Note these three types are fully compatible with Boost.Math Trunk -
> so you get full standard library plus special function support ]
>
> There's still a bunch to do, but I'd like to see what folks think, and
> where the main priorities should be before submission.

John, just from the description... I think, "wow!"

Let's have it!

-- 
Dave Abrahams
BoostPro Computing
http://www.boostpro.com