deriv4

deriv4 is a lightweight, open-source JavaScript library designed to simplify the process of working with derivatives in mathematical computations. It provides a concise syntax for calculating derivatives of functions, making it particularly useful for educational purposes, prototyping, and applications requiring symbolic differentiation. The library is built on top of JavaScript’s native capabilities, leveraging its dynamic typing and functional programming features to offer a flexible and intuitive interface.

The core functionality of deriv4 revolves around its derivative operator, which allows users to compute first and higher-order derivatives of univariate functions. For example, given a function defined as `f = x => x**2`, a user can compute its derivative as `deriv4(f)(x)`, returning the function `2*x`. The library supports a range of mathematical operations, including basic arithmetic, trigonometric functions, exponentials, and logarithms, ensuring compatibility with common mathematical expressions.

deriv4 is designed to be minimalistic, avoiding unnecessary abstractions while still providing essential tools for differentiation. It does not include numerical differentiation or optimization features, focusing instead on symbolic differentiation. This makes it suitable for scenarios where analytical results are preferred over numerical approximations.

The library is distributed under an open-source license, allowing users to freely modify and distribute its code. It is well-documented with examples, and its simplicity makes it accessible to beginners while still offering utility for more advanced users. deriv4 can be integrated into larger projects or used independently for quick derivative calculations, making it a practical choice for developers and mathematicians alike.