  Multi-degree splines are piecewise polynomial functions having sections of
different degrees. For these splines, we discuss the construction of a B-spline
basis by means of integral recurrence relations, extending the class of
multi-degree splines that can be derived by existing approaches. We then
propose a new alternative method for constructing and evaluating the B-spline
basis, based on the use of so-called transition functions. Using the transition
functions we develop general algorithms for knot-insertion, degree elevation
and conversion to B\'ezier form, essential tools for applications in geometric
modeling. We present numerical examples and briefly discuss how the same idea
can be used in order to construct geometrically continuous multi-degree
splines.
