Archim is a program for drawing the graphs of all kinds of functions. A graph can be defined explicitly and parametrically, in polar as well as spherical coordinates, on a plane and in space (surface). Archim will be useful for teachers and students as a visualization tool.

Pros: Two parts of the user interface of this package is one that is used to define a function. A function can be defined explicitly and parametrically. Definition follows a simple syntax. Once defined, the function can be viewed in the second tab of the interface as a planar graph or as an isometric view in 3D space. Color is used creatively to enhance the view.

Another big asset of the program is the library of predefined 2D and 3D functions. The 2D list has about 2 dozen and the 3D list has more than a dozen examples.

What makes the visualization truly marvelous is the facility to move the representation around with mouse controls. You could move the view against all the three axes and get a good feel of what the function all about. Visualization could not have been better. To add to the effect you could play with a set of color options too.

Cons: Nothing adverse noticed.

Overall: A beautifully conceived package, takes away one of the biggest hurdles about learning the nature of functions. The flat 2- axis view as well as the isometric view clearly shows how the defined functions behave. The set of 2D and 3D functions are also an asset to the package. The application is a clear 5 star effort by the developers.