3.10 Dynamic loading

In addition to the concept of libraries, it is also possible to dynamically extend the functionality by loading functions written in C/C++ or some other higher programming language. A collection of such functions is called a dynamic module and can be loaded by the command LIB or load. It is basically handled in the same way as a library: upon loading, a new package is created which holds the contents of the dynamic module. General information about the loaded module can be displayed by the command help package_name. After loading the dynamic module, its functions can be used exactly like the built-in SINGULAR functions.

To have the full functionality of a built-in function, dynamic modules need to comply with certain requirements on their internal structure. As this would be beyond the scope of the Singular manual, a separate, more detailed guide on how to write and use dynamic modules is available.