In Brief

CodeCogs is designed around the needs of professionals working on any technical problem, particularly those in Scientific, Engineering, Maths and Finance.

It brings together four distinct features into a single website:

• An open source library of numerical C/C++ code
  • Anyone can submit and license their own code within this library, with contributors remaining in complete control of their software.
  • An atomic code structure with allows users to license and download only the code they need.
  • Instance Calculators which allow the functions to be used (and tested!) through the web site without downloading anything.
• A reference manual - which anyone can edit or append.
• An outsourcing system, through which users can find experienced technical developers.
• A public forum

The idea behind CodeCogs

The site has been designed in response to problems that we (it's creators) had in finding a well-documented and easily-navigable library of numerical C/C++ code that is affordable. In particular we wanted high-quality software that can be used in both commercial environments (where it can be incorporated into proprietary software) and into open-source software systems. Furthermore, we wanted an 'automatic' system, that allowed users to both submit code on their terms and license (and download) other peoples software as they need it. This is in direct contrast to other numerical libraries.

Having built an initial library of C/C++ code, we now wanted to make the library as accessible as possible to a wide audience (our underlying question we always ask ourselves is 'could our mothers use this?'). For this reason we have introduced into CodeCogs v3 Instant Calculators that allow most components on the website to be used through the site itself. Not only does this allow developers to test the underlying code, but for many users they can do all the calculations they need right through the website. For the more intensive users, components can also be downloaded as Microsoft Excel addins. Excel addins are targeted at the vast majority of users who do not program extensively and need a quick reliable components that they can fully integrate into their solutions. To improve the accessibly of our library to users of Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (the worlds most popular programming interface), we have introduce a feature to allow code to be downloaded as a .NET project, allowing it to be very quickly included within a VB or C# solutions. This gives developers without knowledge of C or C++ access to the high-performance routines we host.

The final innovation we wanted is the ability for clients to request software components that other technical developers can write. Many sites already offer this feature, however with CodeCogs we believe that the developers are usually best placed to understand the technology they'll be using to solve the problem. As such, the developer describes exactly what they intend to deliver, so the developers specifications (not the clients request) forms the binding contract between the two parties. From the client perspective they can now more loosely define the problem they need solving and choose from the range of proposed solutions the one that they feel best solves their problem. Collectively, the CodeCogs approach gives all parties much greater control to exactly express what they know and what they can (and cannot) do, while of course giving clients complete control over who to choose (or not).

Add to this our fully integrated forum, equation editor and automatic graphs and you have a taste of the CodeCogs system that you see today.

How is CodeCogs Financed

As of 2008, advertising now pays for the hosting and maintenance of the entire CodeCogs website, so we're now able to offer many new features completely free. This also means that 100% of any money CodeCogs makes from other activities goes directly back into creating new software for the website.

Please support the development of new components and purchase licences when you can.

Features List

CODE LIBRARY (THE COGS)

• OPEN SOURCE: C++ functions and classes.
• HIGH-QUALITY: Tested, debugged and optimised code using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2005+) and GNU compilers.
• GET WHAT YOU NEED: Download only what you need and nothing else.
• INSTANT CALCULATORS: Test each function yourself, plot graphs and produce tables of results right now through the website. .
• SUPPORT: We aim to respond to all problems within 2 business days.
• MONEY BACK GUARANTEED: If you pay for any component and it doesn't work as expected, you'll get your money back and a free commercial licence for the working version - once fixed.
• COST EFFECTIVE: If you need a commercial licence, only pay for what you need, not an entire library.
• EXCEL: Download components as precompiled Excel add-ins. (coming soon)
• .NET: Downloaded source code with complete .NET wrappers and project descriptions for instance inclusion within your VB, C# or C++ solution. (coming soon)

REQUEST DEVELOPMENT

• OUTSOURCE: Can't find the code you're looking for? Post a request on the site and let another member develop it for you!!
• LOW-COST: Project developed exclusively under a GPL licence, pay NO fees.
• KEEP CONTROL: Set your preferred contractual terms, and let developers bid to solve the problem. You then select the option and coder that is right for you.

CONTRIBUTE

• ADD your own code to the library for critical acclaim or personal profit.
• LICENSE your code for non-profit and/or commercial use.
• BID to solve others problems, but on terms that suite you, with low Facilitation Fees!!
• KEEP CONTROL of all the code you submit. You choose who is allowed to edit your code and who receives a share of the profits.
• MANAGE your account, including your licences, documentation and code from one central location.
• FORUM: Add your comments to any page, or more generally through the forum.