Documentation

PETSc is a sophisticated package and fully understanding its usage requires time. However, application programmers can easily begin to use PETSc from a high level and then gradually learn more details according to their needs. Users should read the users manual before attempting to do any serious coding with PETSc!

• PETSc users manual - pdf (fully searchable with hyperlinks)
• TAO users manual - pdf (fully searchable with hyperlinks)
• Index of all help topics
• Index of all manual pages
• Strategies for using PETSc with Fortran

PETSc Manual Pages and Examples   MPI

• Vector Operations (Vec)
  • Defining your own mathematical functions (PF)
• Matrix Operations (Mat)
  • Matrix colorings (MatColoring), orderings (MatOrdering), and partitionings (MatPartitioning)
  • Finite difference computation of Jacobians (MatFD)
  
  
• Data and grid management
  • Index sets (IS)
  • Star Forest Communication (PetscSF)
  • Section Data Layout (PetscSection)
  • Data Management (DM) between Vec and Mat, and the distributed mesh datastructures
  • Structured Grids (DMDA)
  • Staggered, Structured Grids (DMStag)
  • Unstructured Grids (DMPlex)
  • Graphs and Networks (DMNetwork)
  • A Forest of Trees (DMFOREST)
  • DMPATCH
  • Particles (DMSWARM)
  • DMMOAB
  • Selecting Parts of Meshes (DMLABEL)
  • Discretization Technology (DT)
  • Function Space Technology (PetscSpace)
  • Dual Space Technology (PetscDualSpace)
  • Finite Element Technology (PetscFE)
  • Finite Volume Technology (PetscFV)
  • Application Orderings (AO)
  
  
• Linear Solvers (KSP)
  • Summary table of all linear solvers
  • Preconditioners (PC)
  • Krylov Subspace Methods (KSP)
  
  
• Nonlinear Solvers (SNES)
  • Summary table of all nonlinear solvers
  • Full Approximation Storage (FAS) nonlinear multigrid
  • Matrix-free nonlinear solvers (MATMFFD)
  
  
• Time Stepping (TS) ODE solvers
• Sensitivity analysis
• Method of characteristics


• Optimization Solvers (Tao)
  • Optimization LineSearch Solver (TaoLineSearch)
  
  
• Utilities
  • Viewing Objects
  • Graphics (Draw)
  • System Routines (Options, IO, utilities)
  • Profiling and Logging

The manual pages are split into four categories; we recommend that you begin with basic functionality and then gradually explore more sophisticated library features.

• Beginner - Basic usage
• Intermediate - Setting options for algorithms and data structures
• Advanced - Setting more advanced options and customization
• Developer - Interfaces intended primarily for library developers

Supplementary Documentation

• Installation - detailed instructions for installing PETSc
• Changes - changes and new features in recent versions of PETSc
• Bug Reporting - details on how to report bugs
• Code Management - hints for efficient management of large-scale application codes
• FAQ - frequently asked questions about PETSc
• License - statement of the PETSc copyright