[Axiom-developer] Re: Aldor and Axiom

[Ralf Hemmecke]

> > How do we resolve things like Aldor's libalgebra vs. Axiom's
> > libraries?

> I would propose that we forget about Aldor's native libraries for
> now (as nice, though limited, as they are).

If I knew where to hook libaldor into Axiom, I would already have done 
so. But libaldor basically starts from zero and for Axiom the whole 
construction of the domains and categories is still mystical to me.

In any case if SPAD should be translated to Aldor one has to start with 
some domain or category. There should be a clear cut. Something that the 
compiler knows and something that is added through libraries. If that 
interface is clear than we can talk again about whether we use the Aldor 
libraries or not.

> > Are we planning to completely document and update the SPAD compiler?

> I would choose "no", although if time or experienced people became
> available this might be interesting for historical reasons.

I would also choose "no".

It seems that we will somehow start in the middle. Introduce a cutpoint 
and work up the ladder to build the Algebra. And maybe work down in 
order to also write the basic code in Aldor until the bootstrapping 
problem is shifted to bootstrapping the aldor compiler.


> > a)  Document SPAD compiler, foundations in mathematical theory,
> > core structures of Axiom algebra
> > b)  Identify and document "core" functionality, which is to say
> > functionality which a large part of the Axiom system depends 
> > on.  Debug code and concepts, possibly implement unit test
> > framework.
> > c)  Work our way up the ladder, so to speak.  Higher level
> > functionality documented as the underpinnings become well
> > documented and well defined.
>
> I would replace a) with conversion of the Axiom library to
> Aldor, but the rest seems great to me.

Yes, Cliff, that's it. Axiom needs a kind of future plan. And 
translating SPAD to Aldor is a clear task in my eyes. That will probably 
take several years anyway, since documentation should be added at the 
same time.

Ralf