Graphical Database for Category Theory (GDCT)
We announce the availability of a Java application for storage and display of finitely presented categories and functors among them. The application is available for download at http://mathcs.mta.ca/research/rosebrugh/gdct/ and is also linked from http://www.mta.ca/~rrosebru/ For Win9x/NT users, a single download provides the application along with the required Java run-time environment. Installation is via InstallShield. For other operating systems, download the Java archive for the application and, separately, the appropriate Java run-time environment (to which links are provided). We are interested in any response from users, and in expanding the database of categories and functors available from the default server, so we would be happy to receive examples from users. It is intended to upgrade the application this summer, and so we would also appreciate receiving any reports of difficulties in function or usability, as well as suggestions for new functionality. The application allows for the creation, editing, display and storage of finitely presented categories. Categories can be opened and saved from local files as well as loaded from a specified server. Open categories can be displayed graphically, and the graphical display can be manipulated (in 3 dimensions) and stored. Several tools for testing properties of objects and arrows can be applied; in this version they include Make Confluent, Equality of Composities, Make Dual, Initial Object, and Terminal Object. Functors between stored categories can also be created and stored. Open functors can be displayed and animated. A built-in help system describes how to use the application. Graphical Database for Category Theory was developed in the summer of 1999 by Jeremy Bradbury and R. Rosebrugh with support from an NSERC Canada undergraduate summer research assistantship. Some of the algorithms used in GDCT were originally developed in A Database of Categories, a C program written by Ryan Gunther and Michael Fleming, and Category Theory Database Tools a Java applet, written by Jeremy Bradbury, both under the supervision of R. Rosebrugh. We hope that some of you will find GDCT useful and enjoyable. Bob Rosebrugh and Jeremy Bradbury
participants (1)
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Bob Rosebrugh