An introduction to abstract numeration systems

Abstract numeration systems were introduced in 2001 by P. Lecomte and M. Rigo. This new way to represent numbers generalizes that of usual positional numeration systems such as integer base numeration systems and linear numeration systems. Some standard properties are preserved in this wider framework though some others are not. Yet, the advantages of these systems stem from their great generality: current research on this subject strives to highlight the properties that are independent of the target numeration system, such as properties related to the complexity of the numeration language. In this talk I will introduce this topic. In particular, I will present many open questions in the area and highlight the connections with combinatorics on words.