A proposed software test service for special functions

摘要

This is a proposal to develop a software test service 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 such a 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 any aspect of the proposed service.