And hopefully IA will end up being *less* "for experts" than FP :
it might provide a less steep learning curve for programming with
reals (in a certified way), because it computes more information
which can be queried simply.
So, I think it could have a chance to become the "default for beginners"
at some point, or at least be considered for much more general use.
When I teach interval techniques as an integral part of a
general numerical analysis course, I assign problems where
students can use either traditional error bounding techniques
(involving inequalities to bound function values at unknown
arguments within a range) or simple interval evaluations to
bound ranges, students usually favor the interval techniques.
Interval techniques ARE simpler in certain contexts. Their
use can also make certain applications faster, in addition
to being more reliable.
However, we need to be careful to also teach the pitfalls of
interval techniques. The interval community has a history
of overselling intervals as a panacea for all scientific computing
(although arguably, with sufficient research, it could
eventually contribute in all areas). When non-experts then try them in
uncharted areas and they don't work as promised, there
is a backlash. The result is that interval techniques
become underutilized.
Best regards,
Baker