[QUANTITY] A project thats definitely worth a look for ideas.. (Was: Re: From a previous project...)

[Brian Thomas]

On Monday 27 October 2003 07:39 pm, Matthew Graham wrote:
> http://nanotitan.com/software/Libraries/quantity/index.htm#openSOurce

	Hi all,

	I took a longer look at the project this morning and want to second Mathew's
	link for reading.

	While Im still learning about it, I think they do many things right. The problems 
	with the project involve the fact that I think they don't go far enough for the 
	VO needs.  The focus for them are scalar/vector quantities in single portions 
	or simple, 1-D packaging, of quantities. All quantities for them appear to have 
	data type "float" (and there are other issues..)

	But there are some really interesting bits that they include (that I certainly haven't
	thought about) like:

	1. Immutability of quantities
	2. Expression of the dimensionality of the quantity (in terms of its units)
	    and how to do operations on that.
	3. Many interesting "utility" methods.

	Unfortunately the basic API is combined with their 100 or so "extended" quantities
	so its not as easy to disentangle as it might be. Nevertheless a good read.

			-b.t.


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  * Dr. Brian Thomas 

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  * Goddard Space Flight Center NASA

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