# packages -- Macaulay2 packages

A package is a body of Macaulay2 source code devoted to a particular topic. Many packages are distributed with Macaulay2, and others are available from the author's homepage.

To load a package, say FirstPackage, enter:

loadPackage "FirstPackage"

or

needsPackage "FirstPackage"

For technical information about packages, see Package.

Macaulay2 searches for the file FirstPackage.m2 on your search path. The packages provided with Macaulay2 are on your search path, as is your current working directory.

### Debugging a package

Documentation for the packages provided with Macaulay2 is already installed. To install documentation for another package, use installPackage.

installPackage FirstPackage

You may see what packages have been loaded with the variable loadedPackages.

• Package -- the class of all packages

#### Interacting with packages

• importFrom -- import symbols to the current private dictionary
• use(Package) -- activate a previously dismissed package
• "check(Package)" -- see check -- perform tests of a package
• "debug(Package)" -- see debug -- open the private dictionary of a package
• "dismiss(Package)" -- see dismiss -- dismiss a package
• options(Package)