Netlib

 

Netlib is an on-line repository of mathematical software that contains a large number of interesting codes, tables, and papers. Netlib is a compilation of resources from a variety of places, with fairly detailed indices and search mechanisms to help you find what is there. Netlib is important because of its breadth and ease of access. Whenever you need a specialized piece of mathematical software, you should look here first.   

There are three ways to access netlib: by e-mail, ftp, or WWW:

• E-mail - Netlib provides an email server to send indices and sources on demand. To get an index, send e-mail to netlib@netlib.org with the words send index on its own line in the message. The index will provide a list of other files you can send for. The e-mail server and netlib in general are discussed in [DG87].
• FTP - Connect by ftp to ftp.netlib.org. Log in as anonymous and use your e-mail address as password. Use ``ls'' to see the contents of a directory, ``cd'' to move to a different directory, and ``get'' to fetch the desired file. Type ``binary'' before ``get'' in order to ensure uncorrupted transmission, and ``quit'' to quit. Obtaining an index first can make it easier to move around.  
• WWW - With your favorite browser, open the URL address http://www.netlib.org/ and prowl around to your heart's content. There is a forms index that permits searching based on keywords.

GAMS, the Guide to Available Mathematical Software, is an indexing service for Netlib and other related software repositories that can help you find what you want. Check it out at http://gams.nist.gov. GAMS is a service of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).   

Netlib pointers

• Collected Algorithms of the ACM