Abstract : D-finite functions play a prominent role in computer algebra because they are well suited for representation in a symbolic software system, and because they include many functions of interest, such as special functions, orthogonal polynomials, generating functions from combinatorics, etc. Whenever one wishes to study the integral or the sum of a D-finite function, the method of creative telescoping may be applied. This method has been systematically introduced by Zeilberger in the 1990s, and since then has found applications in various different domains. In this lecture, we explain the underlying theory, review some of the history and talk about some recent developments in this area.

Keywords : creative telescoping; D-finite function; holonomic function; symbolic summation; symbolic integration