Getting Started

PyIMSL functions conform to established conventions in programming and documentation. We give first priority in development to efficient algorithms, clear documentation, and accurate results. The uniform design of the functions makes it easy to use more than one function in a given application. Also, you will find that the design consistency enables you to apply your experience with one PyIMSL Math Library function to all other IMSL functions that you use.

PyIMSL is developed as a set of wrappers to the IMSL C Numerical Library. The IMSL C Numerical Library must be installed in order to use the Python interface. PyIMSL follows Python style programming practices but also closely follows the programming interface of the underlying PyIMSL Math Library, allowing code developed in Python to be more easily ported to native C code if desired.

The PyIMSL Math Library uses the NumPy extensions for arrays, particularly the ndarray type. The NumPy package must be installed in order to use the PyIMSL Math Library.

Below are some useful links for Python and NumPy:

• The Python home page: http://www.python.org/
• The NumPy home page: http://numpy.scipy.org/
• The Rogue Wave documentation page: http://www.roguewave.com/support/product-documentation/.