The ARIBAS programming language was developed as an interpreter for arbitrary-precision arithmetic, providing a computational foundation for the algorithmic number theory research conducted by German mathematician Otto Forster. Born in Munich in 1937, he spent his career bridging abstract analysis and computational methods through positions at several major German universities.
Academic Formation and Early Career
Forster completed his Diplom at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in 1960. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning a doctorate in 1961 under the supervision of Karl Stein. His thesis investigated Banach algebras of continuous functions on compact spaces. By 1965, he achieved his habilitation in Munich. His early professional path included a period at the Institute for Advanced Study during the 1966–1967 academic year, followed by a tenure as a substitute professor at the University of Göttingen.
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In 1968, Forster accepted a position as a full professor at the University of Regensburg. During this period, he also served as a visiting professor at the University of Geneva. He transitioned to the University of Münster in 1975 before returning to the Mathematical Institute of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in 1982. Although he officially retired in the summer of 2005, he has maintained a presence at the institute by offering lectures for advanced students.
Contributions to Mathematics and Computing
His research focuses on complex analysis, algebraic geometry, and analytic number theory. Within the mathematical community, he is recognized for discovering the Forster–Swan theorem. Beyond theoretical work, he created ARIBAS, an interpreter utilizing a Pascal-like syntax designed for powerful computational arithmetic. This tool supports the algorithms detailed in his publication, Algorithmische Zahlentheorie. Additionally, he has contributed to the broader field through texts on Riemann surfaces and analysis, as well as providing appendices for Dale Husemöller's book on elliptic curves.
Professional Recognition
Forster has remained an active figure in the international mathematical dialogue. In 1970, he participated as an invited speaker at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Nice, presenting a talk on topological methods within the theory of Stein spaces. His scholarly standing was further affirmed in 1984 when he was elected as a member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1937, Munich, Germany
- Education: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Academic focus: Number theory, algebraic geometry, complex analysis
- Notable work: Forster–Swan theorem
- Software development: ARIBAS interpreter
- Membership: Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities
- Career span: University of Regensburg, University of Münster, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Questions readers ask
What is the primary function of the ARIBAS program?
ARIBAS is an interpreter with Pascal-like syntax used for arbitrary-precision arithmetic and library functions in computational number theory.
Did Otto Forster continue teaching after his retirement?
Yes, he has continued to offer lectures for advanced students at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München following his retirement in 2005.
Achievements
- Held posts at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University of Münster and University of Regensburg
- Fields: algebraic geometry, number theory and cryptography
