Glas List: Re: [glas] concepts, algorithms etc

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-03-11 10:23:07

Karl Meerbergen <Karl.Meerbergen_at_[hidden]> writes:

> David Abrahams wrote:
>
>>Karl Meerbergen <Karl.Meerbergen_at_[hidden]> writes:
>>
>>  
>>
>>>Hello All,
>>>
>>>
>>> It has been a long time since there was some activitity on the
>>> mailing list. We are still struggling with defining concepts and
>>> algorithms. I propose something to make our life easier.
>>>
>>> Some people suggested to introduce a VectorSpace concept. I do not
>>> believe that this is necessary, because it is far too narrow.    
>>>
>>
>>What do you mean by "narrow?"
>>
>
> Linear algebra vectors have more properties than a members of a vector 
> space.
>
>>
>>  
>>
>>> In fact, linear algebra vectors are usually employed as basis
>>> vectors for a vector space so they actually already define a vector
>>> space.
>>>    
>>>
>>
>>I don't see what bearing that has on the usefulness of a VectorSpace
>>concept.
>>
>>
>>  
>>
>
> My question is: why do we need a VectorSpace concept?

Are there algorithms/functions you'll be implementing that actually
require only Vector Space, but not Linear Algebra?  If so, you will
overconstrain their arguments in the specification by using Linear
Algebra in the requirements.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
www.boost-consulting.com