Fostering Interoperability in Java-Based Computer Algebra Software

This paper considers interoperability in Java based computer algebra software. It is well known that interoperability in Java software is greatly enhanced by simple but expressive interfaces. However, there is no commonly agreed set of interfaces for Java based computer algebra software. When no common interfaces exist it is required to develop adapter classes for each pair of different interfaces to achieve inter-operation. We present three existing interfaces from the Java Algebra System (JAS), from JLinAlg and from Apache Commons Math. We discuss advantages and problems with each set of interfaces and define a useful common subset as a proposal for a future standard.