This
is a computer program which computes information about the groups of orders
1-32. You can find the orders of elements, list the subgroups, find
cosets, search for a finitely presented group, work with permutations, and
more. It was originally written to illustrate a methodology for producing
research software. It has also proved useful for use in courses in abstract
algebra. It has been equipped with a user interface that is easy to
learn and quick to use.
Groups32 contains, internally, a set of tables for the groups of orders
1-32. All of the information generated by issuing commands is computed from
the tables.
Groups32 contains a set of commands, at various levels, which operate on
group tables – the ones presented to the user are the “top level”. There are foundational
commands which are used to build the top level commands. Groups32 is extensible. It is possible to add new
commands and very easy to extend the user interface to include them. [Programmability is disabled on the Internet version.
Groups32 has also been used as a test case for making computer programs accessible on the Internet. The
Internet is an excellent medium for making computer programs accessible.
Users can run software without installation and without the requirement of
a particular platform. This approach enhances the availability of software
and dramatically reduces the cost of maintaining it.