Annotation:
This is only a minimal reference for beta testers.
The final version will include a detailed reference
in HTML or HLP format.

===================================
          XiCalc 1.0 Beta 
             Reference
===================================


1.) Notation of numbers
-----------------------

  [dd:]dddd[.dddd][e[+|-]ddd][\c]
  1.   2.   3.     4.         5.

  d = digit (0-9,A-Z)
  c = eng symbol caracter (a,f,p,n,u,m,k,M,G,T,P,E)

  1. 
  if a different base than the default base for numerical input
  should be used, specify it here

  2.
  digits in front of the decimal delimiter

  3.
  digits behind the decimal delimiter

  4.
  represents 
  * base^(number behind 'e')

  5.
  eng symbol characters must be preceded by a backslash ('\')


2.) Notation of formulas
------------------------

  You have to use an 'Excel-like' syntax with the following exceptions:
  
  - numbers must be written as explained above (-> 1.)
  
  - symbols representing functions, constants and variables may only
    consist of lower case characters and the underscore ('_')

  - constants must consist of at least two characters to be distinguishable
    from variables which are represented by single lower case characters ('a'-'z')

  - function arguments are delimited by commas (e.g. 'f(x,3.43e7,z)')

  - special functions for implementing large sums and products with index variables
    are supported:
        
        n
      ----|
      \      
      /      f(i)      < is represented by >      'sum(1,a,n,f(i))'
      ----|
      i = a

      The first argument indicates, which variable should be used as index variable:
      1 -> i, 2 -> j, 3 -> k, 4 -> l

        n
      ------ 
       |  |  
       |  |  f(i)      < is represented by >      'mul(1,a,n,f(i))'
       |  |
      --  --
      i = a

      The first argument indicates, which variable should be used as index variable:
      1 -> i, 2 -> j, 3 -> k, 4 -> l


3.) Definition of constants
---------------------------

  You have to use the following syntax for defining constants:

  <symbol> = <number>
  (e.g. 'g_n = 10:9.81')

  (notation of symbols and numbers: see above)


4.) Definition of functions
---------------------------
 
  You have to use the following syntax for defining functions:

  <function prototype> = <formula>  
  (e.g. 'abc_formula(a,b,c,n) = (-b+(-1)^n*sqrt(b^2-4*a*c))/(2*a)' )

  (notation of formulas: see above)

  The prototype syntax is:

    'f(a,b,c, ... )'

    The prototype specifies (like in most programming languages), to which variable
    in the formula a passed argument should be mapped.
  



      


