Subsections

• 3.1.1 $\clubsuit$ ACM Algorithms
• 3.1.2 $\clubsuit$ AS Algorithms
• 3.1.3 $\clubsuit$ CPC Programs

3.1 Software Packages

In this paper software package will mean a set of subroutines, or just a single subroutine, that addresses a subfield of numerical mathematics. There are three important series of software packages that include special functions. These packages are research contributions written in a variety of programming languages.

3.1.1 $\clubsuit$ ACM Algorithms

These were published in the Communications of the ACM, Volumes 3-18 (1960-75) and since then in the ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software (TOMS). The transition between the two journals took place with Algorithm 493 in Volume 1, Number 2 of TOMS. Algol was required originally but Fortran and other languages were allowed after it became clear that this condition was too restrictive. The current ACM Algorithms Policy appears at http://www.acm.org/calgo/AlgPolicy.html; also see [Kro91]. The policy requires ACM Algorithms to be self-contained, adequately documented through comments in the code, and reasonably portable from one machine to another. A test program with sample output is also required. The policy provides for addenda to previously published algorithms. All ACM Algorithms that appear in TOMS are refereed. The ACM Algorithms Policy has been in effect, with little change, since 1975.

ACM Algorithms are accessible at http://www.acm.org/calgo/. For indexing purposes, each is assigned a symbol from a modification of the SHARE classification system; cf. [ACM] or [ACM64]. Cumulative indexes by SHARE classification for 1960-1980, 1981-1986 and 1987-1988 appear in [ACM]. Algorithm 620 [Ham85,HM90b,RH84] provides a data base and Fortran program for preparing a cumulative index by SHARE classification. This data base is updated periodically by the ACM.

3.1.2 $\clubsuit$ AS Algorithms

A section for statistical subroutines in Applied Statistics was established in 1968 to ``encourage the development of a published literature on statistical computing'' as the specialized needs of statistical computing were ``only partly met'' by the algorithm sections of other journals [AS68]. The current version of detailed instructions and other information for authors of AS Algorithms, first published in 1968, can be found in [RWGH87]. All submissions adhere to a standard format and are refereed. A test program is required for the referee's use. Addenda to previously published algorithms are accepted and are subjected to the same refereeing process as original algorithms. An index appears at the end of every volume. A cumulative index of the first 251 AS Algorithms (1968-1989, with addenda) appears in [HM90a], organized according to the GAMS scheme [BHK91]. Corrected and improved versions of selected AS Algorithms appear in [GH85]. Instructions for obtaining AS Algorithms on computer diskette can be found in issues of Applied Statistics starting in 1993.

3.1.3 $\clubsuit$ CPC Programs

The journal Computer Physics Communications was begun in 1969 to ``facilitate the exchange of physics programs and of relevant information about the use of computers in the physics community''. It publishes descriptions of CPC Programs and, in addition, general papers on the computational aspects of physics and physical chemistry. Programs and their descriptions are refereed.

Program descriptions consist of a Program Summary (a concise description in a standard format with keywords) and a Long Write-Up (a detailed description of the underlying physics and algorithms). A test program is required for each CPC Program, and each CPC Program is required to be well documented and as portable and self-contained as possible. An index of CPC Programs is printed at the end of every volume. Two cumulative indexes without Program Summaries [CPC87,CPC90] and one with Program Summaries [CPC84] exist. A more attractive alternative is the up-to-date cumulative index, with Program Summaries, that is accessible by electronic mail¹⁰. All these indexes are organized according to a physics-oriented classification scheme.

CPC Programs can be ordered individually or by subscription service. Ordering instructions and an order form are printed in the back of every issue of Computer Physics Communications.