Chapter 3. Programming in Mathematica

We have examined the dazzling numerical, symbolic, and graphical capabilities of Mathematica. Yet Mathematica’s real power rests on its programming capabilities. Many programming concepts, such as assignments, transformation rules, and lists, were introduced in Chapter 2. This chapter covers five programming topics: expressions, patterns, functions, procedures, and graphics. It also discusses three programming styles and the writing of packages.

Expressions

Chapter 2 showed that Mathematica works with many kinds of objects, such as algebraic expressions, mathematical functions, equations, functions for specifying operations, assignments, transformation rules, graphics, and lists. They are all expressions. This ...

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