Using HSL
Queries service
Hyprotech runs a
queries and information service which gives advice and answers
questions on all HSL matters. Whether the query is administrative
(to do with the availability of HSL) or technical (about features
of specific packages, for example), the initial contact should
be made through the HSL
Manager
AspenTech Limited
C1, Reading International Business Park,
Basingstoke Road,
Reading, Berkshire RG2 6DT.
Tel: +44 (0)118 9226405 Fax: +44 (0)118 9226401
e-mail: hsl@aspentech.com
Classifications
HSL packages are classified
into groups, each associated with a major area of numerical
mathematics, such as the solution of sets of linear of equations,
calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, or the minimization
of functions of several variables. Within each group, there
is a further classification into subgroups.
Naming convention
Each package is associated
with a sequence of four characters. The first two characters
are always alphabetic and identify the group and subgroup
to which the program unit belongs; for example, the MA series
solves systems of linear equations with real coefficients
and the ME series is for systems with complex coefficients.
The next two characters are numeric.
A Fortran 77 package
has the sequence of four characters as its name. The fifth
character, which is always alphabetic, is used to distinguish
between the program units within the package. The sixth character
of the name (or its absence) identifies the version. The possibilities
are:
- Absent: Single precision.
- D: Double precision.
- I: Integer
- C: Single precision complex
- Z: Double precision complex
A Fortran 90/95 package
has HSL_ followed by the sequence of four characters as its
name, and consists of a set of modules. Most usually, a package
will consist of a single and double precision version. Each
module will have a name starting with the package name, for
example,
- HSL_MA42_SINGLE
- HSL_MA42_DOUBLE
Finding the package
to do the job
Normally, the first
step in choosing a package will be to consult the catalogue.
Its classification list and its comprehensive index should
be useful in the initial search. Each entry summarizes a package.
In addition, the HSL query service is willing to help users
with the choice of package.
Specification documents
More detailed instructions
on how to use an individual package is given in a separate
HSL specification document. Each contains a copy of the summary
from the catalogue, a detailed description of how to set up
the arguments, a short description of the method and in most
cases an example of using the package on a simple problem.
It is assumed that the user has a basic knowledge of Fortran.
Conditions of using Library material
A licence is required
prior to making any use of HSL or any package therefrom. Code
from HSL may not be incorporated in programs which are offered
for sale, licence or supply to third parties other than those
already licensed to use HSL except with the expressed written
permission of Hyprotech UK Ltd and on payment of an appropriate
fee.
Free use of HSL
2007 by academics
While HSL 2007 is
a commercial product, it is also available without charge
to academics for teaching and academic research purposes.
For full details, see hsl.rl.ac.uk/hsl2007/hsl20074researchers.html.
This innovation is a direct result of much of the core funding
for the Numerical Analysis Group at the Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory being provided by a grant from the Engineering
and Physical Science Research Council.
Free non-commercial
use of HSL Archive by anyone
The HSL Archive is
may be licenced without charge to anyone (in the UK and elsewhere),
so long as the packages are not then supplied to a third party
as part of another software package. Access to the HSL Archive
is by way of the RAL
HSL web page.