[boost] RFC: Multiprecision arithmetic library

Subject: [boost] RFC: Multiprecision arithmetic library
From: John Maddock (boost.regex_at_[hidden])
Date: 2011-12-22 08:41:12

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.

Thanks in advance, John.