Mathematica is a technical computing system that combines symbolic mathematics, numerical computation, visualization, and a programming language. Created by Stephen Wolfram, it revolutionized how scientists and engineers use computers for mathematical work.
Origins
Stephen Wolfram, a physicist who earned his PhD at 20, grew frustrated with existing tools for symbolic computation. He created Mathematica to be a complete system for technical computing—not just calculation, but a new way of doing science.
Key Features
Mathematica pioneered integrated technical computing:
- Symbolic computation: Manipulate formulas, not just numbers
- Notebook interface: Documents mixing text, code, and graphics
- Visualization: Automatic plotting and graphics generation
- Pattern matching: Powerful rule-based transformations
- Built-in knowledge: Mathematical functions and data built in
The Wolfram Language
The programming language underlying Mathematica became known as the Wolfram Language. It’s unusual in its emphasis on symbolic programming and its vast built-in knowledge base covering mathematics, physics, geography, and more.
Impact
Mathematica changed technical computing:
- Standard tool in physics, mathematics, engineering
- Pioneered notebook-style computing (later Jupyter)
- Wolfram Alpha brought computation to consumers
- Influenced expectations for integrated computing environments