Mathematical functions are one of the basic building-blocks of Mathematics. As such, there is an imperative that efficient, accurate and robust software is available for the evaluation of these functions.

The functions of one real variable that are used can be split into 3 distinct classes:

• Elementary functions, such as exp,sin, etc, which are usually supplied by the compiler being used or a library add-on, such as in Java. The software for these functions is nowadays extremely good.
• Well-known special functions, such as error, Bessel, gamma, etc. which are provided in a wide range of commercial software libraries, and freely-available packages. Most of this software is normally of a high quality.
• Uncommon special fucntions. These are used much less often and so have not appeared in any standard packages. Any free software is also liable to be of variable quality.

Current research is into two areas:

1. Development of high-quality software for the uncommon special functions. Further details
   
2. Development of test methodologies and procedures for assessing the performance of software for standard special functions. Further details