question about numerical routines



Hello,
  As I understand it, using the lisp interface to maxima, one can call
  up routines from other languages (e.g. C, C++, Fortran).  So, why is
  it important to develop advanced numerical routines in maxima itself?

In particular, doesn't it make sense to simply improve the I/O methods
to call tested routines from C or fortran (where they have been tested
and used time and time again)?

Incidentally, from my point of view this last activity needs much
work.

I am new to maxima and lisp.  I have experience with C and fortran,
although it has been awhile since I actually did coding.

It seems to me that, if I want to use, say a QR algorithm, or an
existing  high precision toolbox, then I  have to learn enough of lisp to be
able to call those routines, and the way I call them is probably
dependent on which other librairies I am using.

Wouldn't make sense to have maxima commands to do the following.

a. With the maxima distribution, there are particular GPL fortran, C, C++
libraries to install (just as there currently is GCL).

b. With the appropriate maxima command, one transparently calls those
routines (as functions or procedures), and maxima handles all the I/O
required.

BTW, if this is, more or less, already available, then I don't know
how to do it.  I would love to have some guidance beyond the to_lisp
command.

Thanks for any ideas.

-Cheers,
  -sen


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