Introduction to the GiNaC Framework for Symbolic Computation within the C++ Programming Language

TL;DR

GiNaC is a C++-based framework that integrates symbolic computation directly into C++, eliminating the traditional separation between low and high-level languages in computer algebra systems, and is optimized for quantum field theory calculations.

Contribution

It introduces GiNaC, a C++ library for symbolic computation that simplifies integration into C++ and enhances efficiency for quantum physics calculations.

Findings

Efficient handling of multivariate polynomials and special functions.

Direct interaction with symbolic computation in C++.

Potential for broader symbolic computation applications.

Abstract

The traditional split-up into a low level language and a high level language in the design of computer algebra systems may become obsolete with the advent of more versatile computer languages. We describe GiNaC, a special-purpose system that deliberately denies the need for such a distinction. It is entirely written in C++ and the user can interact with it directly in that language. It was designed to provide efficient handling of multivariate polynomials, algebras and special functions that are needed for loop calculations in theoretical quantum field theory. It also bears some potential to become a more general purpose symbolic package.