Abstract

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Symmetry: Culture and Science
Volume 34, Number 2, pages 155-168 (2023)
https://doi.org/10.26830/symmetry_2023_2_155

SIMON STEVIN AS A CENTRAL FIGURE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ABSTRACT ALGEBRA AND GENERIC PROGRAMMING

Johan Gielis

Department of Bioengineering Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk-Antwerpen, Belgium
Email: johan.gielis@gmail.com
ORCID: 0000-0002-4536-3839

Abstract: Simon Stevin (1548-1620) is mainly known for the decimal system and his Clootkrans proof. His influence is also profound in infinitesimal calculus, mechanics, and even in abstract algebra and today’s conception of polynomials, algorithms, and generic programming. Here we review his influence as assessed in generic programming. According to Dr. Stepanov, one of the most influential researchers in generic programming, Stevin’s work on polynomials can be regarded as the essence of generic programming: an algorithm from one domain can be applied in another similar domain.

Keywords: Stevin, algebra, algorithms, generic programming

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