CPLua: An Extension Language Empowering the ClassPad 300

Abstract

Lua is a free, powerful light-weight programming language designed for extending applications. It is frequently used as a general-purpose, stand-alone language. This extension language allows user to customize application which must be embedded in a host program such as the Casio’s ClassPad 300 engine. Since 2005 a group of ClassPad 300 enthusiasts have worked in an online forum and created a beta version of the extension language for ClassPad 300 called CPLua, using the Lua programming language. This paper reviews properties of CPLua and a utility library written using CPLua, specifically, a numerical analysis library calls LNA. The discussion then proposes how such applications can complement the versatile eActivity function of the ClassPad 300 to further increase its value as an instructional technology.