Software Testing Service For Special Functions: A Proposal And Request For Comments

. This is a proposal to begin to develop software at the National Institute of Standards and Technology for use in testing the accuracy, or numerical precision, of mathematical software for special functions. The service would use the World Wide Web to receive test requests and return test results. The tests would be run on a network of workstations at the Institute. It is hoped that the service will be of practical utility to anyone who uses special functions in physics or other applications, and that it will stimulate the interest of applied mathematicians who are interested in the computation of special functions as well as computer scientists who are interested in innovative uses of the Internet. The author solicits comments on the feasibility or utility of the proposed service. 1. Proposal This is a proposal for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other interested organizations or individuals to develop an Internet-based service for testing mathematical ..