[Edu-sig] creating an interface vs. using one

[kirby urner]

On 9/23/06, Michel Paul <mpaul at bhusd.k12.ca.us> wrote:

> The only syntax required other than Algebra is "def" and "return".
>

Here I'd part company a bit and point out that "algebra" is not so
nailed down as a namespace that we can't consider "def" and "return"
excluded.

As we phase in machine executable languages, we'll lose some of our
fascination with specific lexemes used to characterize "algebra" in
the mass published tree killer textbook era.

I think we'll be gradually phasing in OO to make algebra feel more
like an extensible type system, with a Vector as class template, lots
of instance vectors.  Polynomial template, instance polynomials
(including NCLB Polynomial)...

Python won't be the only notational advance.  Mathematica has provided
more backward compatability with the ancient stuff, so math profs who
need more hand-holding are free to shell out for a crutch.

Related reading:
http://www.4dsolutions.net/ocn/oopalgebra.html

Kirby