2017-08-14 21:12:41 -07:00
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---
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2017-08-14 22:46:39 -07:00
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in_header: true
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2017-08-14 21:12:41 -07:00
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layout: page
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title: About
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permalink: /about/
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---
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2017-08-15 01:02:16 -07:00
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## So... what IS Abacus?
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It's a calculator. Obviously. But what makes it better than
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what already exists? There's a few things. Abacus is:
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* Programmable, and not in TI Basic.
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* Precise. With the "precise" option, Abacus can keep up to 50 significant figures.
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* Capable. Ever wonder what 2<sup>700</sup> is? How about 8!!? Abacus can tell you!
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* Offline. While Wolfram Alpha can do powerful math, it needs internet connection!
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* Built for the desktop. Why use buttons on the screen when there's buttons on the keyboard?
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* Open source. Don't like something? Help is always welcome!
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## Why was Abacus made?
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The initial project was proposed for the [Northwest Advanced Programming Workshop](http://nwapw.org/about/).
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You can read the project proposal on the main GitHub page, although the idea has
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changed quite a bit, mostly in shifting from "fast" to "precise".
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## What is Abacus made with?
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Java and Kotlin. Java provides a good layer of abstraction and a great standard
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library, while Kotlin allows for the reduction of boilerplate code and null
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safety. Using JVM-based languages also allows Abacus to expose its entire
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API to plugins, and load them at runtime.
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