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Frequently asked questions I
What CSharpCalc?
CSharpCalc is a lightweight scientific calculation environment. It facilitates rapid
(some say quick and dirty) implementation of calculation scripts and even simulations.
The software uses C# as scripting language. It aims at being a 'swiss army knive' of
scientific computing.
Technically, CSharpCalc is a windows software running on Windows 7 or newer versions of
the Microsoft OS family. It uses the .net framework but nothing else, hence it is capable
of running on most hardware available today.
Is CSharpCalc a windows development environment?
No. CSharpCalc can not be used for writing general purpose software, full stop. It cannot
now and it will never have this capability. The only field of application of CSharpCalc is
scientific computing. If you are looking for a free windows development environment,
please visit http://developer.microsoft.com and download the free products offered there.
Can I create executable files using CSharpCalc?
No. CSharpCalc only executes its own .csc scripts. It does not produce any executables.
Is there a commercial version of CSharpCalc, available or planned?
No. There is no commercial version of CSharpCalc now and there is currently no such version planned either.
Am I allowed to give copies of CSharpCalc to my students?
You may give your students a link to www.csharpcalc.org and ask them to download the software. And of
course you may use CSharpCalc for teaching as you see fit. Direct distribution of the software to third parties
is not covered by the license (see there).
Why am I not allowed to offer direct downloads of the software?
Because multiple download sources are very hard to coordinate. In order to provide the community with a simple
way to keep up with the most recent version of CSharpCalc, a function to visit csharpcalc.org has been embedded
into the software. Consequently, we want all downloads to be centralized on this web site and not
dispersed over many Internet locations potentially offering outdated versions.
Moreover, this web site will announce news and present interesting projects as well as a lot of other relevant
information related to CSharpCalc which is considered a part of the user experience. You may help promote
CSharpCalc by providing a link to the download page if you wish to do so.
Can CSharpCalc render 3D scenes?
Yes, as of version beta 3 CSharpCalc contains a set of high level classes to be used for 3D data visualization.
Consistent with the CSharpCalc concept the 3D classes are strongly focussed on scientific applications.
Why did you use C# as scripting language?
Because C# is an awesome language well suited for doing computational science.
Is csharpcalc.org offering paid services?
No. CSharpCalc.org is strictly non-commercial. You cannot buy any products or services on this
website.
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Frequently asked questions II
What is the history behind CSharpCalc?
CSharpCalc started as a private research project, initiated by Peter Uray. The original intension
was to write an emulation of a simple computer as many people had and enjoyed them in the 1980ies.
Endowed with little more than a text editor, a console and a graphic display these machines could
be used for nifty numerical computations and visualization without the requirement to acquire detailed
knowledge on contemporary software frameworks. The idea developed further into CSharpCalc. The author
is using the program as a modern version of one of those 80ies computers. Hence, BASIC has been replaced
by C# and the editor is 'slightly' more comfortable than EDLIN. Other than that the program still carries
the simplicity and the charm of the first PCs - but seamlessly embeded into a modern computing environment.
Do I need to be a scientist to understand the topics discussed here?
In most cases material published here consists of images and links to background information. You need not
be a scientist to understand the pictures as long as you find them appealing, and the linked background
information is, in most cases, kept on a popular level (exceptions might occur here and there).
Generally, some mathematical knowledge is required if you want to understand how the images are created
i.e. the mathematical background of the generating scripts. If, in addition, a presentation contains a
publication as .pdf file, reading it might require serious scientific background. This will be indicated
in the link to the .pdf.
What level of knowledge do I need to understand the mathematics used here?
For reading the background articles of a presentation you need to be able to understand the math pertaining
to the topic on wikipedia which significantly varies in complexity. When in doubt just start reading.
May I use the publications from this site?
You may use the results published here for academic research and teaching, provided you do not
modify the publications. You may also distribute the .pdf files in the same manner
(i.e. without modification) to your colleagues and students.
May I use the images found on this site?
Unless explicitly announced otherwise, the images on this site are copyrighted by www.csharpcalc.org. If
you wish to show images or animations published here on your own web site, you must provide a link to this
site with the link text 'Image (C) by www.csharpcalc.org' directly above or below the image. Private use of the
images, e.g. as desktop background, is permitted. The publication of images displayed on this site
in printed form is strictly prohibited.
Does csharpcalc.org appear regularly or on media other than the world wide web?
No. CSharpCalc.org will publish new material when it is available but not at fixed times. Also,
CSharpCalc.org is exlusively web based.
Will CSharpCalc display banners or advertising material?
No. CSharpCalc is adds-free. Promotion of third-party science or development projects on this web site
as feature articles are a possibility but the software comes strictly without advertisment.
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