FORM version 4.0

Abstract

We present version 4.0 of the symbolic manipulation system Form. The most important new features are manipulation of rational polynomials and the factorization of expressions. Many other new functions and commands are also added; some of them are very general, while others are designed for building specific high level packages, such as one for Gröbner bases. New is also the checkpoint facility, that allows for periodic backups during long calculations. Finally, Form 4.0 has become available as open source under the GNU General Public License version 3. Program summaryProgram title: FORM.Catalogue identifier: AEOT_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEOT_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: GNU General Public License, version 3No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 151599No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 1078748Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: The FORM language. FORM itself is programmed in a mixture of C and C++.Computer: All.Operating system: UNIX, LINUX, Mac OS, Windows.Classification: 5.Nature of problem:FORM defines a symbolic manipulation language in which the emphasis lies on fast processing of very large formulas. It has been used successfully for many calculations in Quantum Field Theory and mathematics. In speed and size of formulas that can be handled it outperforms other systems typically by an order of magnitude.Special in this version:The version 4.0 contains many new features. Most important are factorization and rational arithmetic. The program has also become open source under the GPL. The code in CPC is for reference. You are encouraged to upload the most recent sources from www.nikhef.nl/form/formcvs.php because of frequent bug fixes.Solution method:See “Nature of Problem”, above.Additional comments:NOTE: The code in CPC is for reference. You are encouraged to upload the most recent sources from www.nikhef.nl/form/formcvs.php because of frequent bug fixes.