Graphing calculator

[5] Some graphing calculators have a computer algebra system (CAS), which means that they are capable of producing symbolic results.

Many graphing calculators can be attached to devices like electronic thermometers, pH gauges, weather instruments, decibel and light meters, accelerometers, and other sensors and therefore function as data loggers, as well as WiFi or other communication modules for monitoring, polling and interaction with the teacher.

Student laboratory exercises with data from such devices enhances learning of math, especially statistics and mechanics.

However ,due to poor display resolution, slow processor speed and lack of a dedicated keyboard, they are mostly preferred only by high school students.

[8] However, for developers and advanced users like researchers, analysts and gamers, third-party software development involving firmware modifications, whether for powerful gaming or exploiting capabilities beyond the published data sheet and programming language, is a contentious issue with manufacturers and education authorities as it might incite unfair calculator use during standardized high school and college tests where these devices are targeted.

There are many graphing calculators that do not require dedicated hardware, but run on a device in a web browser or as an app.

The latter can have a large feature set—approaching that of BASIC as found in computers—including character and string manipulation, advanced conditional and branching statements, sound, graphics, and more including, of course, the huge spectrum of mathematical, string, bit-manipulation, number base, I/O, and graphics functions built into the machine.

Tools which allow for programming the calculators in C/C++ and possibly Fortran and assembly language are used on the computer side, such as HPGCC, TIGCC and others.

The on-board BASIC variants in TI graphing calculators and the languages available on the HP-48 series can be used for rapid prototyping by developers, professors, and students, often when a computer is not close at hand.

Most graphing calculators have on-board spreadsheets which usually integrate with Microsoft Excel on the computer side.

In some cases, the list, matrix, and data grid facilities can be combined with the native programming language of the calculator to have the effect of a macro and scripting enabled spreadsheet.