Compass and ruler (software)
| Compass and ruler
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Basic data
|
|
| developer | René Grothmann |
| Current version | 10.0 |
| operating system | platform independent |
| programming language | Java |
| category | Dynamic geometry |
| License | GPL |
| German speaking | Yes |
| zirkel.sourceforge.net | |
Ruler and compass or short ZuL (in other languages Compass and Ruler or short CaR ) is an application software in the field of dynamic geometry systems . The software was developed by René Grothmann, a mathematics professor at the Catholic University of Eichstätt . The first versions for the Atari ST were available as early as 1988 and were among the pioneers in the field of dynamic geometry . The current Java version has been developed since 1995. A spin-off called CaRMetal has existed since 2005 and is particularly popular in France.
Range of functions
In addition to the usual functions of software for dynamic geometry, ZuL attaches particular importance to the automatic creation of websites with embedded constructions. ZuL provides a Java applet for this purpose, which displays the created constructions ( file name extension ZIR) interactively in the web browser. The program's website provides examples of learning environments that cover a large part of school geometry, areas of physics and a few selected topics in university geometry.
In addition, ZuL has a mode for automatic locus lines, which runs through the locus lines completely, even if intersections have to be changed; numerical skills through to implicit plots, modes for three-dimensional plots, non-Euclidean geometries and other details that cannot be found in other dynamic geometry programs.
For non-interactive presentation purposes, constructions can be exported as raster ( PNG ) or as losslessly scalable vector graphics ( EPS , SVG or PDF ). The software and in some cases the documentation have been translated into numerous languages, including Slovenian .
CaRMetal
The math teacher Eric Hakenholz, who works in France, has been developing a spin-off called CaRMetal (named after the metal look and feel used ) based on the Java source texts of CaR since 2005 . Unlike the original, in which many settings have to be made in dialog windows , the graphical user interface of CaRMetal allows direct access to many elements of the current construction. A tool palette that is familiar from graphics software allows quick access to construction tools and object properties such as line width and color. Other special features are the possibility of creating three-dimensional ( barycentric ) constructions as well as giving points magnetic properties. A JavaScript interface makes it possible to embed program logic in the constructions or to influence the Java applets created from outside. Like CaR, CaRMetal has also been translated into numerous languages.
In addition, Hakenholz publishes a web magazine called CARzine , in which several authors publish articles about CaR and CaRMetal in French or English.
Comparison with other dynamic geometry software
ZuL offers a range of functions comparable to the commercially sold programs Euklid and Cabri Géomètre , but as a Java-based system, unlike these, it is not restricted to Windows and offers more extensive and, above all, vector-based solutions in the graphics and applet export.
In the open source area, ZuL offers a higher range of functions than Geonext, which has not been further developed since 2008, and is on par with the Java-based GeoGebra in the geometry area, which, in addition to dynamic geometry, offers a more extensive function plotter than ZuL and a spreadsheet. GeoGebra thus pursues an integrative approach and always connects geometric objects with their algebraic representation. ZuL, on the other hand, does not offer this integration, but together with its offshoot CaRMetal it does offer a powerful open source offering that fulfills all aspects of a dynamic geometry program and allows a purely constructive, coordinate-free handling of the geometry.
literature
- Michael Klebl: Projects and Perspectives in the Digital Study: New Media at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-ingolstadt , Lit , 2006, ISBN 3-8258-9635-8 .
Web links
- - CaR / ZuL official website (German / English)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Interview with Eric Hakenholz about CaRMetal (French)
- ↑ CARzine magazine about CaR and CaRMetal (French / English)
- ↑ Keith Devlin: The math gene or how mathematical thinking develops and why you can easily forget numbers , Klett-Cotta , 2001, ISBN 3-608-94320-X . In it: "Examples of [dynamic geometry] systems are 'Cabri géomètre II +', 'Cinderella', 'DynaGeo', 'The Geometer's Sketchpad', 'Geonext' and 'Compass and Ruler'."