Re: [boost] [pqs] [vectors] (was: [linear algebra])

From: Janek Kozicki (janek_listy_at_[hidden])
Date: 2006-06-18 16:14:17

David Abrahams said:     (by the date of Sun, 18 Jun 2006 15:49:16 -0400)

> Janek Kozicki <janek_listy_at_[hidden]> writes:
> 
> > That something IMHO is a wiki with specifications of those libraries
> > (when decided to decouple dimensions, units and linear algebra (not
> > geometry!)).
> 
> Since I'm working on a linear algebra library I've noting with some
> confusion all the talk of vectors and matrices in the PQS thread.  Can
> someone give me the three-sentence summary that explains why anyone
> would think to couple linear algebra and units/dimensions in the first
> place?  I mean, can't you just make a vector of velocities or
> whatever?  Or is this about vectors where each element has different
> dimensions?

Yes, it is just about vectors and matrices where each element has
different dimensions. It is useful for certain calculations. Leland
Brown gave an example from his own program:

http://lists.boost.org/Archives/boost/2006/06/106412.php

My apologies for lack of imagination to get a good name. I picked
'linear algebra' just becasue I was sure that 'geometry' (suggested by
Andy) is certainly a bad name. But now Geoffrey Irving has now a better
idea to call it 'vectors'. Maybe even 'small vectors'.

Geoffrey Irving said: 
> Most people who see linear algebra will think large dimensional spaces,
> large dimensional linear system solves, eigen-analysis, etc.  How
> about just 'vectors'?

If you want to suggest another name, please go on :)

-- 
Janek Kozicki                                                         |