====== C.a.R ======


http://mathsrv.ku-eichstaett.de/MGF/homes/grothmann/java/zirkel/

{{pics:car.png}}

Here is C.a.R. (compass and ruler), a program, that simulates school geometry constructions with a pair of compasses and a straightedge (ruler).

The program uses Java, and runs on almost any modern platform.

The program is freeware, and the source is available and free by the GNU General Public License.

===== Here I have a summary of the features of C.a.R. =====


    * Simulation of school geometry constructions in the plane.
    * Runs on almost any modern platform, including Windows 95, NT or better, Linux, Mac OS, Mac OSX, Sun Solaris and other Unix
    * Special graphical enhanced version for Java 1.3 (using e.g. anti-aliasing).
    * Free source under GPL.
    * HTML documentation.
    * Context sensitive help integrated into the program.
    * Modern intuitive interface, which follows the common interface rules.
    * GUI in English, German, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish.
    * Configurable toolbox.
    * Visual mode of construction or descriptive mode, using commands.
    * Programming language for constructions, including macros and macros called in macros.
    * Uses the right mouse button for object properties and object movement as usual.
    * Automatic generation of points on objects and intersections, with or without confirmation
    * Lengths of segments and other sizes may be fixed. Fixed circles and angles can still be changed with the mouse, unless they are fixed by a composite expression.
    * Partially visible circles and lines, which display only the relevant parts.
    * Circles can be drawn as arcs.
    * Arcs and angles can be kept acute.
    * Hiding of construction details. Super-hiding with the hide tool and the control key.
    * Colored construction objects.
    * Think, normal or thick stroke for objects.
    * Arrows.
    * Display of object names, values or both.
    * User controlled display accuracy for values.
    * Construction tools for parallels, plumb lines and midpoints.
    * Track of points while the user moves another point. Tracks of more than one point or line.
    * Conic sections determined by 5 points.
    * Tracks of curves from a set of tangents.
    * Automatic tracks, while a point moves along a circle or a line. Tracks try to run through all construction states. Moved point turns, when it becomes invalid.
    * Tracks or other constructions can be fixed as a background picture.
    * Animation, and animated tracks.
    * Macros to speed up construction steps and to make possible more complicate constructions.
    * Optional prompt for values of angles, sizes of circles and expressions in macros.
    * Assignments. Computer checks solution.
    * Presentation of constructions in the Web.
    * Automatic export into HTML, including style sheets, colors and other details.
    * Use of the XML standard to store constructions.
    * Constructions may be stored in compressed form.
    * Fine printing.
    * Arithmetic expression to display values and to fix object parameters (segment length, point position, angle size etc.). Expressions can be used in other expressions, and work in macros.
    * Filled polygons with optional area display, transparent in Java 1.3., filled circles and angles.
    * Multi line text.
    * Replay of the construction.
    * Optional grid with point snap.
    * Background picture or tiled pattern.
    * Save graphics to bitmap, in SVG, EPS or in FIG format.
    * Constructions may be loaded in descriptive mode from a file, or edited in-line.