Re: [boost] Re: matrix library ?

From: David Abrahams (abrahams_at_[hidden])
Date: 2001-03-14 19:25:17

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <lums_at_[hidden]>

> A linear algebra library would be concerned with mathemetically based 
> concepts and linear algebra operations using those concepts.  For 
> instance you would have an operation in a linear algebra library that 
> looks like:
> 
> template <class LinearOperator, class VectorSpaceX, class 
> VectorSpaceY>
> apply(LinearOperator A, VectorSpace x, VectorSpace y)
> 
> where this realizes y <- A*x
> 
> This provides linear algebra functionality -- arrays are nowhere to 
> be found.  In fact, if A is sparse, it will be a matrix, but it won't 
> be a rectangular 2D array.  A might not be an explicitly represented 
> matrix of any kind -- it could simply be a function that returns the 
> result A*x without using a stored matrix (e.g., a matrix-free 
> operator).

Not much code in apply() in that case ;-)

> Is this answering your question?

Very much so, thanks!

-Dave