Re: Number/Algebraic concepts (was RE: [boost] RE: rational.hpp )

From: Mark D Rintoul (rintoul_at_[hidden])
Date: 2001-01-12 13:22:37

Jeremy Siek wrote:
> 
> As for the one() and zero() functions, you'll see below I didn't use a
> traits function, but instead used a free function that takes an argument
> of the number type (the argument isn't really used, it just carries the
> type). This interface has the benefit that it could even work for things
> like matrices where one might need to create an identity element with the
> correct number of rows and columns.
>

        It should be noted that the SGI STL has something like that
already.  It defines an overloaded function "identity_element" for
the "plus" and "multiplies" structs.  It might be worthwhile having
inheritable classes such as "ring" or "group" or "monoid" or something
and define identities and inverses and such.

                        Danny
 
-- 
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Mark D. (Danny) Rintoul, Dept. 9235
Computational Biology & Materials Technology
Sandia National Laboratories
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
email: rintoul_at_[hidden]
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