We develop numerical homotopy algorithms for solving systems of polynomial
equations arising from the classical Schubert calculus. These homotopies are
optimal in that generically no paths diverge. For problems defined by
hypersurface Schubert conditions we give two algorithms based on extrinsic
deformations of the Grassmannian: one is derived from a Gr\"obner basis for the
Pl\"ucker ideal of the Grassmannian and the other from a SAGBI basis for its
projective coordinate ring. The more general case of special Schubert
conditions is solved by delicate intrinsic deformations, called Pieri
homotopies, which first arose in the study of enumerative geometry over the
real numbers. Computational results are presented and applications to control
theory are discussed.Comment: 24 pages, LaTeX 2e with 2 figures, used epsf.st
