Robert Dougherty Bliss, Rutgers University

Abstract

Popular computer algebra systems are rightly praised for automating away the "trivial" parts of mathematical life. These good deeds have, frankly, enabled them to coast along without much critical examination. No longer! Borrowing some paradigms from software engineering, we will discuss the "ergonomics" of computer algebra systems, the importance of language design, and show that not all tools are created equal