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Overview of Wolfram Mathematica Features

Wolfram Mathematica is a technical computing software system with built-in libraries for machine learning, statistics, symbolic computation, data manipulation, and other areas. It was created by Stephen Wolfram and is developed by Wolfram Research. Mathematica uses a notebook interface and the Wolfram Language as its programming language. It has capabilities for high-performance, parallel, and GPU computing and connects to other applications, programming languages, and services.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
84 views7 pages

Overview of Wolfram Mathematica Features

Wolfram Mathematica is a technical computing software system with built-in libraries for machine learning, statistics, symbolic computation, data manipulation, and other areas. It was created by Stephen Wolfram and is developed by Wolfram Research. Mathematica uses a notebook interface and the Wolfram Language as its programming language. It has capabilities for high-performance, parallel, and GPU computing and connects to other applications, programming languages, and services.

Uploaded by

watson191
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Wolfram Mathematica Overview
  • High-performance Computing
  • Extensions
  • Connections to Other Applications
  • Computable Data
  • References
  • External Links

Wolfram Mathematica

Wolfram Mathematica is a software system with built-in libraries


for several areas of technical computing that allow machine
Wolfram Mathematica
learning, statistics, symbolic computation, data manipulation,
network analysis, time series analysis, NLP, optimization, plotting
functions and various types of data, implementation of algorithms,
creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in
other programming languages. It was conceived by Stephen
Wolfram, and is developed by Wolfram Research of Champaign,
Illinois.[8][9] The Wolfram Language is the programming language
used in Mathematica.[10] Mathematica 1.0 was released on June Developer(s) Wolfram Research
23, 1988 in Champaign, Illinois and Santa Clara, Initial release June 23, 1988[1]
California.[11][12][13] Stable release 13.3 (June 28,
2023) [±] ([Link]
Notebook interface [Link]/w/i
[Link]?title=Te
Mathematica is split into two parts: the kernel and the front end. mplate:Latest_stab
The kernel interprets expressions (Wolfram Language code) and le_software_releas
returns result expressions, which can then be displayed by the front e/Wolfram_Mathe
end. matica&action=edi
t)[2]
The original front end, designed by Theodore Gray[14] in 1988,
consists of a notebook interface and allows the creation and editing Written in Wolfram
of notebook documents that can contain code, plaintext, images, Language,[3]
and graphics.[15] C/C++, Java[4]
Platform Windows,[5]
Alternatives to the Mathematica front end include Wolfram
Workbench—an Eclipse-based integrated development macOS, Linux
environment (IDE) that was introduced in 2006. It provides (includes
project-based code development tools for Mathematica, including separated support
revision management, debugging, profiling, and testing.[16] for Raspbian on
Raspberry Pi[6]),
There is also a plugin for IntelliJ IDEA-based IDEs to work with online service. All
Wolfram Language code that in addition to syntax highlighting can platforms support
analyze and auto-complete local variables and defined
64-bit
functions.[17] The Mathematica Kernel also includes a command
implementations.[7]
line front end.[18]
(list) ([Link]
Other interfaces include JMath,[19] based on GNU Readline and [Link]/mathe
WolframScript[20] which runs self-contained Mathematica matica/system-req
programs (with arguments) from the UNIX command line. [Link])
Available in English, Chinese,
The file extension for Mathematica files is .nb and .m for
Japanese
configuration files.
Type Computer algebra,
numerical
computations,
Mathematica is designed to be fully stable and backwards information
compatible with previous versions. visualization,
statistics, user
High-performance computing interface creation
License Proprietary
Capabilities for high-performance computing were extended with
Website [Link]
the introduction of packed arrays in version 4 (1999)[21] and
/mathematica/ (htt
sparse matrices (version 5, 2003),[22] and by adopting the GNU
ps://[Link].c
Multiple Precision Arithmetic Library to evaluate high-precision
om/mathematica/)
arithmetic.

Version 5.2 (2005) added automatic multi-threading when computations are performed on multi-core
computers.[23] This release included CPU-specific optimized libraries.[24] In addition Mathematica is
supported by third party specialist acceleration hardware such as ClearSpeed.[25]

In 2002, gridMathematica was introduced to allow user level parallel programming on heterogeneous
clusters and multiprocessor systems[26] and in 2008 parallel computing technology was included in all
Mathematica licenses including support for grid technology such as Windows HPC Server 2008, Microsoft
Compute Cluster Server and Sun Grid.

Support for CUDA and OpenCL GPU hardware was added in 2010.[27]

Extensions
As of Version 13, there are 6,051 built-in functions and symbols in the Wolfram Language.[28] Stephen
Wolfram announced the launch of the Wolfram Function Repository in June 2019 as a way for the public
Wolfram community to contribute functionality to the Wolfram Language.[29] At the time of Stephen
Wolfram's release announcement for Mathematica 13, there were 2,259 functions contributed as Resource
Functions.[30] In addition to the Wolfram Function Repository, there is a Wolfram Data Repository with
computable data and the Wolfram Neural Net Repository for machine learning.[31]

Wolfram Mathematica is the basis of the Combinatorica package, which adds discrete mathematics
functionality in combinatorics and graph theory to the program.[32]

Connections to other applications, programming languages, and


services
Communication with other applications can be done using a protocol called Wolfram Symbolic Transfer
Protocol (WSTP). It allows communication between the Wolfram Mathematica kernel and the front end
and provides a general interface between the kernel and other applications.[33]

Wolfram Research freely distributes a developer kit for linking applications written in the programming
language C to the Mathematica kernel through WSTP using J/Link.,[34] a Java program that can ask
Mathematica to perform computations. Similar functionality is achieved with .NET /Link,[35] but with
.NET programs instead of Java programs.

Other languages that connect to Mathematica include Haskell,[36] AppleScript,[37] Racket,[38] Visual
Basic,[39] Python,[40][41] and Clojure.[42]
Mathematica supports the generation and execution of Modelica models for systems modeling and connects
with Wolfram System Modeler.

Links are also available to many third-party software packages and APIs.[43]

Mathematica can also capture real-time data from a variety of sources[44] and can read and write to public
blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and ARK).[45]

It supports import and export of over 220 data, image, video, sound, computer-aided design (CAD),
geographic information systems (GIS),[46] document, and biomedical formats.

In 2019, support was added for compiling Wolfram Language code to LLVM.[47]

Version 12.3 of the Wolfram Language added support for Arduino.[48]

Computable data
Mathematica is also integrated with Wolfram Alpha, an online answer engine that provides additional data,
some of which is kept updated in real time, for users who use Mathematica with an internet connection.
Some of the data sets include astronomical, chemical, geopolitical, language, biomedical, airplane, and
weather data, in addition to mathematical data (such as knots and polyhedra).[49]

Reception
BYTE in 1989 listed Mathematica as among the "Distinction" winners of the BYTE Awards, stating that it
"is another breakthrough Macintosh application ... it could enable you to absorb the algebra and calculus
that seemed impossible to comprehend from a textbook".[50] Mathematica has been criticized for being
closed source.[51] Wolfram Research claims keeping Mathematica closed source is central to its business
model and the continuity of the software.[52][53]

See also
Comparison of multi-paradigm programming languages
Comparison of numerical-analysis software
Comparison of programming languages
Comparison of regular expression engines
Computational X
Dynamic programming language
Fourth-generation programming language
Functional programming
List of computer algebra systems
List of computer simulation software
List of information graphics software
Literate programming
Mathematical markup language
Mathematical software
WolframAlpha, a web answer engine
Wolfram Language
Wolfram SystemModeler, a physical modeling and simulation tool which integrates with
Mathematica
SageMath

References
1. Wolfram, Stephen (23 Jun 2008), Mathematica Turns 20 Today ([Link]
8/06/23/mathematica-turns-20-today/), Wolfram, retrieved 16 May 2012
2. "LLM Tech and a Lot More: Version 13.3 of Wolfram Language and Mathematica" ([Link]
[Link]/2023/06/llm-tech-and-a-lot-more-version-13-3-of-wolfram-languag
e-and-mathematica/). Retrieved 2023-06-28.
3. "Celebrating Mathematica's First Quarter Century" ([Link]
brating-mathematicas-first-quarter-century/). Retrieved 11 August 2015.
4. The Software Engineering of Mathematica—Wolfram Mathematica 9 Documentation ([Link]
[Link]/legacy/v9/tutorial/[Link])
Archived ([Link]
y/v9/tutorial/[Link]) 2017-07-29 at the Wayback
Machine. [Link]. Retrieved on 2015-03-23.
5. "Mathematica 12 System Requirements and Platform Availability" ([Link]
mathematica/[Link]). Retrieved 16 December 2020.
6. Raspberry Pi Includes Mathematica for Free ([Link]
4/raspberry-pi-includes-mathematica-wolfram-language-free) Archived ([Link]
rg/web/20140509213354/[Link]
es-mathematica-wolfram-language-free) 2014-05-09 at the Wayback Machine The Verge
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8. "Stephen Wolfram: Simple Solutions; The iconoclastic physicist's Mathematica software
nails complex puzzles" ([Link]
am-simple-solutions). BusinessWeek. October 3, 2005. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
9. "Contact Wolfram Research" ([Link] Retrieved
11 August 2015.
10. "Stephen Wolfram's new programming language: Can he make the world computable?" (htt
p://[Link]/articles/technology/bitwise/2014/03/stephen_wolfram_s_new_programmi
ng_language_can_he_make_the_world_computable.html). Slate Magazine. 6 March 2014.
Retrieved 11 August 2015.
11. "Mathematica—Three Decades of Contributions, Invention, Discovery, and Education" (http
s://[Link]/mathematica/scrapbook/). [Link]. Retrieved 2022-05-16.
12. "Celebrating a Third of a Century of Mathematica, and Looking Forward—Stephen Wolfram
Writings" ([Link]
athematica-and-looking-forward/). [Link]. Retrieved 2022-05-16.
13. "There Was a Time before Mathematica…—Stephen Wolfram Writings" ([Link]
[Link]/2013/06/there-was-a-time-before-mathematica/).
[Link]. Retrieved 2022-05-16.
14. Patent US8407580 ([Link] Archived ([Link]
[Link]/web/20161120110007/[Link] 2016-11-20 at
the Wayback Machine Google Patent Search
15. Hayes, Brian (1990-01-01). "Thoughts on Mathematica" ([Link]
as/bph-publications/[Link]) (PDF). Pixel. Archived ([Link]
[Link]/web/20140715213929/[Link]
s/[Link]) (PDF) from the original on 2014-07-15.
16. "Wolfram intros Workbench IDE for Mathematica" ([Link]
2412/[Link] Macworld. 21 June
2006. Archived from the original ([Link]
[Link]) on 2 July 2006. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
17. "Mathematica plugin for IntelliJ IDEA" ([Link]
18. Using a Text-Based Interface ([Link]
[Link]) Archived ([Link]
[Link]/mathematica/tutorial/[Link]) 2013-10-29 at the
Wayback Machine documentation at [Link]
19. "JMath: A GNU Readline based frontend for Mathematica" ([Link]
d/jmath/). Retrieved 11 August 2015.
20. "Directory listing" ([Link]
Retrieved 18 April 2019.
21. Math software packs new power; new programs automate such tedious processes as
solving nonlinear differential equations and converting units ([Link]
um/0199/[Link]) by Agnes Shanley, Chemical Engineering, March 1, 2002.
22. Mathematica 5.1: additional features make software well-suited for operations research
professionals ([Link]
Archived ([Link]
ms2/summary_0286-9587712_ITM) 2008-09-25 at the Wayback Machine by ManMohan S.
Sodhi, OR/MS Today, December 1, 2004.
23. The 21st annual Editors' Choice Awards ([Link]
0286-12336000_ITM) Archived ([Link]
[Link]/coms2/summary_0286-12336000_ITM) 2009-01-12 at the Wayback
Machine, Macworld, February 1, 2006.
24. "Mathematica is tuned to take advantage of CPU features when available" ([Link]
[Link]/39353). Retrieved 13 April 2020.
25. "ClearSpeed Advance Accelerator Boards Certified by Wolfram Research; Math
Coprocessors Enable Mathematica Users to Quadruple Performance" ([Link]
g/web/20160125141511/[Link]
or+Boards+Certified+by+Wolfram...-a0147498410). Archived from the original ([Link]
[Link]/ClearSpeed+Advance(TM)+Accelerator+Boards+Certified+by+Wolfram...-a
0147498410) on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
26. gridMathematica offers parallel computing solution ([Link]
1/20/mathematica/[Link]) Archived ([Link]
[Link]/news/2002/11/20/mathematica/[Link]) 2005-12-02 at the Wayback
Machine by Dennis Sellers, MacWorld, November 20, 2002.
27. "CUDA and OpenCL support added in Mathematica 8" ([Link]
ca/new-in-8/cuda-and-opencl-support/). Retrieved 13 April 2020.
28. "Launching Version 13.0 of Wolfram Language + Mathematica—Stephen Wolfram Writings"
([Link]
mathematica/). [Link]. Retrieved 2022-05-16.
29. "The Wolfram Function Repository: Launching an Open Platform for Extending the Wolfram
Language—Stephen Wolfram Writings" ([Link]
olfram-function-repository-launching-an-open-platform-for-extending-the-wolfram-languag
e/). [Link]. Retrieved 2022-05-16.
30. "Launching Version 13.0 of Wolfram Language + Mathematica—Stephen Wolfram Writings"
([Link]
mathematica/). [Link]. Retrieved 2022-05-16.
31. "Launching the Wolfram Data Repository: Data Publishing that Really Works—Stephen
Wolfram Writings" ([Link]
-repository-data-publishing-that-really-works/[Link]/2017/04/20/launching-the-w
olfram-data-repository-data-publishing-that-really-works/). [Link].
Retrieved 2022-05-16.
32. Skiena, Steven (2003). Computational Discrete Mathematics: Combinatorics and Graph
Theory with Mathematica. Cambridge University Press.
33. "Wolfram Symbolic Transfer Protocol (WSTP)" ([Link]
34. Mathematica 4.2 ([Link] Archived (http
s://[Link]/web/20071121151440/[Link]
matica/) 2007-11-21 at the Wayback Machine by Charles Seiter, Macworld, November 1,
2002.
35. .NET/Link ([Link] Archived ([Link]
org/web/20100909043100/[Link] 2010-09-09
at the Wayback Machine: .NET/Link is a toolkit that integrates Mathematica and the Microsoft
.NET Framework.
36. "mathlink: Write Mathematica packages in Haskell - Hackage" ([Link]
ckage/mathlink). Retrieved 11 August 2015.
37. [Link]. "MathLink for AppleScript" ([Link]
[Link]/products/mathlinkosax/). Archived from the original ([Link]
[Link]/products/mathlinkosax/) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
38. "MrMathematica: Calling Mathematica from Scheme" ([Link]
Link/[Link]). Retrieved 11 August 2015.
39. "Mathematica for ActiveX - from Wolfram Library Archive" ([Link]
er/TechNotes/4710/). Retrieved 11 August 2015.
40. "erocarrera/pythonika" ([Link] GitHub. Retrieved 11 August
2015.
41. "PYML (Python Mathematica interface) - from Wolfram Library Archive" ([Link]
com/infocenter/MathSource/585/). Retrieved 11 August 2015.
42. "Clojuratica - Home" ([Link] [Link]. Retrieved
2013-08-16.
43. "Wolfram Documentation: ServiceConnect" ([Link]
[Link]). Retrieved 4 August 2021.
44. "Vernier and Mathematica" ([Link]
ica/).
45. "Working with blockchains" ([Link]
Retrieved 15 April 2020.
46. Mathematica 6 Labs Review ([Link]
alyst-labs-review-6299) Archived ([Link]
[Link]/general-software/mathematica-6-cadalyst-labs-review-6299) 2022-03-25 at the
Wayback Machine Cadalyst Feb 1, 2008
47. "Create LLVM code" ([Link]
[Link]). Retrieved 13 April 2020.
48. "Launching Version 12.3 of Wolfram Language & Mathematica—Stephen Wolfram Writings"
([Link]
mathematica/). [Link]. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
49. "Scientific and Technical Data" ([Link]
[Link]/mathematica/guide/[Link]), Mathematic Guide,
Wolfram Research, archived from the original ([Link]
de/[Link]) on 10 May 2012, retrieved 16 May 2012
50. "The BYTE Awards" ([Link]
-01_PC_Communications_and_Annual_Awards_and_Digitizing_Tablets#page/n371/mode/
2up). BYTE. January 1989. p. 327.
51. "Paul Romer" ([Link]
er/). [Link]. Retrieved 2021-08-05.
52. "Why Wolfram Tech Isn't Open Source—A Dozen Reasons—Wolfram Blog" ([Link]
[Link]/2019/04/02/why-wolfram-tech-isnt-open-source-a-dozen-reasons/).
[Link]. Retrieved 2021-08-05.
53. "Six Reasons Why the Wolfram Language Is (Like) Open Source—Wolfram Blog" ([Link]
[Link]/2021/11/30/six-reasons-why-the-wolfram-language-is-like-open-source/).
[Link]. Retrieved 2022-05-16.

External links
Official website ([Link]
Mathematica Documentation Center ([Link]
A little bit of Mathematica history ([Link]
[Link]) documenting the growth of code base and number of functions over time

Retrieved from "[Link]

Common questions

Powered by AI

Wolfram Mathematica supports high-performance computing through several technological advancements. In 2005, version 5.2 introduced automatic multi-threading for computations on multi-core systems, accompanied by CPU-specific optimized libraries . Support for CUDA and OpenCL GPU hardware was added in 2010 to leverage graphics processing units . Additionally, gridMathematica allows parallel programming on heterogeneous clusters, and parallel computing technology was included in all Mathematica licenses by 2008 . Overall, these enhancements enable Mathematica to efficiently utilize modern computing architectures for intensive calculations.

Mathematica's parallel computing capabilities have evolved significantly over its development. In 2002, gridMathematica was introduced, allowing user-level parallel programming on heterogeneous clusters . By 2008, parallel computing technology became standard in Mathematica, supporting grid technologies like Windows HPC Server 2008 and Sun Grid . The inclusion of automatic multi-threading in version 5.2 optimized its use of multi-core systems . Together, these advancements enable efficient processing of complex computations and large data sets, positioning Mathematica as a robust platform for high-performance computing.

The Wolfram Data Repository provides a significant enhancement to Mathematica's functionality by offering a centralized platform for accessing and sharing computable data. Launched to facilitate open data sharing, it provides ready-to-use datasets for Mathematica users, simplifying data accessibility . This resource aids users in sourcing reliable data for their analyses and applications, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation within the Wolfram ecosystem. It also supports the reproducibility of research by providing a dependable repository for essential data requirements.

The Wolfram Symbolic Transfer Protocol (WSTP) serves as a critical communication bridge between Mathematica and other applications, facilitating the exchange of data and commands. It allows the Mathematica kernel to seamlessly interact with the front end and other software, providing a flexible interface that can be utilized to implement custom workflows or integrate Mathematica's capabilities within external applications . Through WSTP, users can effectively harness Mathematica's computational power in conjunction with other systems, enhancing its versatility as a computational tool.

Wolfram Research maintains Mathematica as closed source to protect its business model and ensure software continuity. They argue that this model supports sustained innovation and high-quality software development because it allows for a controlled and integrated development process . Moreover, a closed source approach helps protect intellectual property and allows Wolfram Research to offer a stable, proprietary product with consistent support and reliability . This model is perceived to benefit users by ensuring robust software performance and a reliable ecosystem of tools and support.

The inclusion of CUDA and OpenCL support in Mathematica in 2010 marked a significant enhancement for its usability, particularly for graphics and data processing tasks. This support enables Mathematica to leverage GPU hardware for performing efficient large-scale computations, notably improving performance for tasks requiring intensive computation, such as image processing and data analysis . As a result, Mathematica becomes more attractive for researchers and developers in fields that benefit from high-throughput parallel processing, thus expanding its application reach and enhancing computational efficiency.

The integration of WolframAlpha into Mathematica significantly enhances its capabilities by providing access to a vast array of real-time data across various domains, such as astronomical, chemical, geopolitical, and weather data . This integration allows Mathematica users to leverage up-to-date datasets without the need for complex data retrieval processes, enabling more dynamic and informed analyses. Mathematica users can utilize this data as part of their computational tasks, thereby enriching the analytical power and applicability of the software in research and real-world problem-solving .

The Wolfram Function Repository significantly enhances the usability and functionality of the Wolfram Language by allowing the Wolfram community to contribute and share functions. Launched in 2019, it provides a platform where users can add functionality, potentially extending the language's capabilities across various application areas . With 2,259 contributed Resource Functions at the time of Mathematica 13's release, it supports the rapid incorporation of new functionalities, facilitating custom application development and promoting collaboration within the community . This platform democratizes feature expansion, making complex tasks accessible and streamlining development workflows.

The expansion of the Wolfram Language to include over 6,051 built-in functions has remarkably enhanced its versatility and applicability across diverse domains. This wide array of functions allows users to perform complex computational tasks ranging from symbolic manipulation and numerical analysis to machine learning and data visualization . The continuous addition of functions enables the language to adapt to emerging technological and scientific challenges, supporting a broad spectrum of applications and facilitating innovative problem-solving approaches in various fields of study and industry.

Mathematica allows the integration and interfacing of various programming languages to expand its computational environment. Through the Wolfram Symbolic Transfer Protocol (WSTP), Mathematica can communicate with applications written in languages like C, Java, .NET, Python, Haskell, and others . J/Link and .NET/Link provide dedicated interfaces for Java and .NET, respectively . This cross-language versatility allows developers to embed Mathematica capabilities within their preferred programming environments, leveraging Mathematica's computational power while using familiar languages for specific tasks, thus fostering innovation and application-specific functionality.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mathematica_Logo.svg)Wolfram Mathematica
Devel
information
visualization (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_visualization),
statistics (https://en.wikipedia.org/wik
Mathematica supports the generation and execution of Modelica  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modelica)models for systems mod
Wolfram SystemModeler, a physical modeling and simulation tool which integrates with
Mathematica
SageMath (https://en.wikiped
15. Hayes, Brian (1990-01-01). "Thoughts on Mathematica" (http://bit-player.org/wp-content/extr
as/bph-publications/Pixel-199
30. "Launching Version 13.0 of Wolfram Language + Mathematica—Stephen Wolfram Writings"
(https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/
49. "Scientific and Technical Data" (https://web.archive.org/web/20120510202912/http://referenc
e.wolfram.com/mathematica/gui

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