"fdlibm" is an acronym for "Floating-Point, Double-Library Mathematics," and it refers to a library of mathematical functions specifically designed for performing computations on floating-point numbers in double precision. This library is primarily used in computer programming to ensure accurate and consistent results for mathematical operations involving real numbers with a large range of values and decimal places.
The "fdlibm" library employs algorithms and routines that are carefully implemented to handle complex calculations on double-precision floating-point numbers, adhering to the IEEE 754 standard. It includes a wide range of mathematical functions, such as trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent), exponential and logarithmic functions, power and root functions, and various arithmetic operations.
Developed by Sun Microsystems, the "fdlibm" library is known for its high precision and efficiency in calculating mathematical functions, making it useful in applications related to scientific computing, engineering, and numerical analysis. It provides highly accurate results for a wide range of inputs and handles various special cases, such as edge cases, exceptions, and rounding modes, following the IEEE 754 guidelines.
The use of "fdlibm" ensures reliable and consistent computations across different hardware platforms, operating systems, and programming languages. Its implementation takes into account the specific characteristics and limitations of double-precision floating-point representation, providing functions that guarantee accurate results while minimizing computational errors and maintaining desired levels of precision.
