On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences


An Internet database of sequences of integers, together with formulas, generating functions, computer programs, keywords and cross-references to other sequences. Sometimes referred to by its acronym, OEIS. It was started by Neil Sloane as an outgrowth of his printed catalogs of integer sequences.

Each sequence is assigned a unique identification number (the letter A followed by six digits in base 10) based on the date of its addition to the database, though most entries contain information on their lexicographic context. In 2010 the database had almost 200000 sequences.

The most important sequences are tagged with the keyword “core.” Sequences of fractions are split into two sequences (numerators and denominators), while important mathematical constants like e are split into their base 10 digits. Zero is sometimes used as a placeholder value for non-existent terms.

A few other important keywords include: “frac” for most fractions, “cofr” for continued fractionsMathworldPlanetmath, “eigen” for eigenvalues, “mult” for multiplicative sequences, “walk” for sequences pertaining to self-avoiding paths, etc.

The sequences included in the database range in subject from Sloane’s love of combinatorics to number theoryMathworldPlanetmathPlanetmath, geometry, calculus, cryptography, quantum physics, etc., as well as many subjects that would seem to be far removed from mathematics, like archaeology and psychiatry.

In 2010 there was an effort to move the whole database to a Wiki platform, but this ultimately abandoned in favor of a custom-designed platform with a more rigorous editorial control. However, the OEIS does have a Wiki for subsidiary pages.

References

  • 1 A. Del Arte, “http://www.southend.wayne.edu/modules/news/article.php?storyid=553Mathematician reaches 100k milestone of online integer archive” The South End (Detroit), 11 Nov., Wayne State University (2004)
  • 2 V. Origlio, “L’Enciclopedia delle sequenze intere” Biblioteche Oggi, Jan.-Feb. (2006): 41 - 45
Title On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences
Canonical name OnLineEncyclopediaOfIntegerSequences
Date of creation 2013-03-22 15:47:36
Last modified on 2013-03-22 15:47:36
Owner CompositeFan (12809)
Last modified by CompositeFan (12809)
Numerical id 11
Author CompositeFan (12809)
Entry type Definition
Classification msc 00A20
Synonym OEIS
Synonym Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences