List interpolation

Question

Hi mathematica people!

So i am looking for the best way to interpolate a function given a list of its values. I have an iterative algorithm which needs high precision otherwise the numerical noise is going to increase exponentially. It works like this(not the exact code, but just to illustrate):

Nmax := 10;
Tmax := 1000;
K[t_, s_] := s^2 (PolyGamma[2, 1 - (t-s)] - 0.5 PolyGamma[2, 1 - (t-s)/2])

Table[{t, NIntegrate[ K[t,s] (PolyGamma[1, 1 - 2 I s] - 0.5 PolyGamma[1, 1 - I s]) ,{s, 0, t-1} ]}, {t, 1, Tmax} ]
f[0]:= Interpolation[ %, InterpolationOrder -> 1 ];

For[ i = 1 , i < Nmax , i++ , 
Table[{t, NIntegrate[ K[t,s] f[i][s] ,{s, 0, t-1} ]}, {t, 1, Tmax} ];
f[i+1] := Interpolation[ %, InterpolationOrder -> 1 ]; 
]

The problem with this is that each function f[i] is coming from integrating f[i-1], so errors are going to be multiplied and enhanced. Is there a better way to integrate numerical interpolation? Or perhaps a better way to interpolate?

In the end i am interested in obtaining a plot of

f := Sum[ f[i] , {i , 0 , Nmax } ]

Answer 1

Some points:

1. You are integrating a function of InterpolatingFunction. See this thread for guidance how to achieve maximum precision in this situation using NIntegrate.

2. You are using Sum for summing up imprecise numbers which is the worst way to do this as demonstrated here. Use Total with option "CompensatedSummation" -> True instead.

3. Avoid using explicit loops and use functional programming instead. This point is discussed in details in many places on this site. In particular, I recommend reading these threads:

   What are the most common pitfalls awaiting new users?

   Where can I find examples of good Mathematica programming practice?