title: Increase value over time using mathematical algorithm
body: <p>I am writing a test tool which places a large amount of load on a network service. I would like this tool to start with little load and gradually increase over time. I am sure that there is some triganometry which can do this sort of calculation in one line of code but I am not a math guru (yet). Is there some sort of library (or simple algorithm) which can help with this calculation?</p>
  
  <p>The code would ideally take a few arguments:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>algorithm to use (determine how quickly the value increases</li>
  <li>starting value</li>
  <li>ending value (maximum)</li>
  <li>time (amount of time between starting and ending value)</li>
  <li>step (granularity in milliseconds)</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>So every [step] an event would be raised indicating what the value is at that point in time.</p>
  
  <p>This is an ideal implementation though, so I am open to suggestion.</p>
  
  <p>Any input would be greatly appreciated, thank you :)</p>
  
  <p><strong>EDIT:</strong></p>
  
  <p>Let me be more clear ... the amount which the value increases is not linear, it is a curve.</p>