What is Calc?
=============

"Calc" is an advanced calculator and mathematical tool that runs as
part of the GNU Emacs environment.  Very roughly based on the HP-28/48
series of calculators, its many features include:

   * Choice of algebraic or RPN (stack-based) entry of calculations.

   * Arbitrary precision integers and floating-point numbers.

   * Arithmetic on rational numbers, complex numbers (rectangular and
     polar), error forms with standard deviations, open and closed
     intervals, vectors and matrices, dates and times, infinities,
     sets, quantities with units, and algebraic formulas.

   * Mathematical operations such as logarithms and trigonometric
     functions.

   * Programmer's features (bitwise operations, non-decimal numbers).

   * Financial functions such as future value and internal rate of
     return.

   * Number theoretical features such as prime factorization and
     arithmetic modulo M for any M.

   * Algebraic manipulation features, including symbolic calculus.

   * Moving data to and from regular editing buffers.

   * "Embedded mode" for manipulating Calc formulas and data directly
     inside any editing buffer.

   * Graphics using GNUPLOT, a versatile (and free) plotting program.

   * Easy programming using keyboard macros, algebraic formulas,
     algebraic rewrite rules, or extended Emacs Lisp.

Calc tries to include a little something for everyone; as a result it
is large and might be intimidating to the first-time user.  If you
plan to use Calc only as a traditional desk calculator, all you really
need to read is the "Getting Started" chapter of this manual and
possibly the first few sections of the tutorial.  As you become more
comfortable with the program you can learn its additional features.
In terms of efficiency, scope and depth, Calc cannot replace a
powerful tool like Mathematica.  But Calc has the advantages of
convenience, portability, and availability of the source code.  And,
of course, it's free!