Maple Introductory Programming Guide

Abstract

This manual introduces the basic MapleTM programming concepts, such as expressions, data structures, looping and decision mechanisms, procedures, input and output, debugging, and Maplets. Audience As a Maple user, you may have only used Maple interactively, written Maple programs, or programmed in another computer language. You should be familiar with the following: • Maple online help introduction • Example worksheets • How to use Maple interactively • The Maple User Manual Worksheet Graphical Interface You can access the power of the Maple computation engine through a variety of user interfaces: the standard worksheet, the command-line1 version, the classic worksheet (not available on Macintosh­r ), and custom-built MapletTM applications. The full Maple system is available through all of these interfaces. In this manual, any references to the graphical Maple 1The command-line version provides optimum performance. However, the worksheet interface is easier to use and renders typeset, editable math output and higher quality plots. 1 2 • Preface interface refer to the standard worksheet interface. For more information on the various interface options, refer to the ?versions help page. Manual Set There are three other manuals available for Maple users, the Maple Getting Started Guide, the Maple User Manual, and the Maple Advanced Programming Guide. 2 • The Maple Getting Started Guide provides extensive information for new users on using Maple, and the resources available in the software and on the Maplesoft Web site (http://www.maplesoft.com). • The Maple User Manual provides an overview of the Maple software including Document and Worksheet modes, performing computations, creating plots and animations, creating and using Maplets, creating mathematical documents, expressions, basic programming information, and basic input and output information. • The Maple Advanced Programming Guide extends the basic Maple programming concepts to more advanced topics, such as modules, input and output, numerical programming, graphics programming, and compiled code. In addition to the manuals, Maple has an online help system featuring examples that you can copy, paste, and execute immediately.