IAM, a system for interactive algebraic manipulation
Carlos Christensen, Michael Karr · 1971
The principal features of IAM, a system for interactive algebraic manipulation, are described. The primary goal of IAM is to make algebraic manipulation by computer available to a non-programming person. IAM has a JOSS-like command language, emphasizing ease of communication between the user and the system, yet still providing a stored program facility for applications which require it. In addition, the system uses a two-dimensional output format and provides convenient files for the permanent storage of expressions. The algebraic operations of IAM are oriented toward the use of a canonical form of rational functions to achieves “simplification” of expressions; and this approach dictates specialized data structures and algorithms. IAM is implemented in AMBIT/L, a high-level language for list-processing; and it is currently running under the time-sharing system of the DEC PDP-10/50.