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1. Introduction

The LaTeX Equation Compiler is a preprocessor for LaTeX files that enables numeric and symbolic calculations. It reads equations specified by special keywords in the LaTeX file and uses them to calculate the numeric value of variables. Symbolic calculation capabilities are also implemented, for example, adding two equations or substituting a variable with a numerical or symbolic value into an equation. EQC makes use of the GiNaC library ( GiNaC library homepage).

The development of EQC was prompted by a problem which I often encountered doing calculations in my profession as a mechanical engineer. I would first begin writing out the problem on paper, putting together the necessary equations, and then turn to a spreadsheet to do the actual calculations. EQC is meant to integrate this process in a single Latex source file.

Programming language: C++, bison, flex, using kdevelop. Implemented on Linux-i386. Cross-compiled to Windows, but not extensively tested there.

EQC makes use of the GiNaC library for numeric and symbolic calculations, and of course needs a Latex installation to be useful. If you wish to use physical units, the SIunits.sty package is required as well.

1.1 Changes

All code changes are documented in the source files by three asterixes (***) and the change number.


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