Symbolic Script Programming for Java

TL;DR

This paper introduces a symbolic scripting interface for Java computer algebra libraries using JSR 223, enhancing usability and mathematical notation for algebraic computations.

Contribution

It presents the concept of symbolic programming in Java and demonstrates its application through prototypes of symbolic polynomials and polynomial rings.

Findings

Improved user interface for Java computer algebra systems

Prototype implementations of symbolic polynomials and rings

Enhanced mathematical expressiveness in Java scripting

Abstract

Computer algebra in Java is a promising field of development. It has not yet reached an industrial strength, in part because of a lack of good user interfaces. Using a general purpose scripting language can bring a natural mathematical notation, akin to the one of specialized interfaces included in most computer algebra systems. We present such an interface for Java computer algebra libraries, using scripts available in the JSR 223 framework. We introduce the concept of `symbolic programming' and show its usefulness by prototypes of symbolic polynomials and polynomial rings.