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Polynomial Homotopy Continuation: a portable Ada software package

Jan Verschelde - Ronald Cools

Thu Nov 21 10:50:38 MET 1996

Abstract:

This paper provides documentation for the program PHC, a portable software package for polynomial homotopy continuation. Useful information is given on solving polynomial systems by homotopy continuation methods, especially on various root counting techniques and the construction of appropriate start systems. The paper contains a shopping list on the ingredients needed to brew a powerful solver. We list an overview of our database of benchmark problems and comment on practical programming aspects.

Introduction
Polynomial Homotopy Continuation Methods
Related software
The main features of our software
The four stages of the solver
Tools and modes
The major tools of the four stages
Database of benchmark systems
Programming in Ada
The design: PHC as workbench
PHCPACK: calling from other programs
Computers and compilers
Obtaining and installing the program
Conclusions and future directions
References
Contents
About this document ...

Jan Verschelde
Thu Nov 21 10:50:01 MET 1996