The Mathematica Book (3rd ed.)

Citation

Wolfram, S. (1999), "The Mathematica Book (3rd ed.) ", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 77-77. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.19.1.77.1

Written by Steven Wolfram, the creator of the popular Mathematica software package, this book is a guide to the use of the standard Mathematica kernel version 3.0. Bound in one 1,400‐page volume the book provides a wealth of advice, explanation and knowledge for beginners and experts alike.

Readers new to Mathematica should not be put off by the book’s large proportions, and should understand that this is not a text aimed at teaching mathematics. Anyone with a flawed fundamental knowledge of mathematics should not delve into the book expecting enlightenment. This book will teach the new Mathematica user how to make practical implementations of their mathematics problems through the use of the software. The early sections therefore introduce the basic principles, with topics such as simple text inputs, through to graphics objects, file access, and the use of the MathLink functionality being but a few of the numerous subjects explored. The progression is logical, descriptions are concise and the examples useful.

The more experienced user will find the later chapters an invaluable source of information. An advanced mathematics section, with various mathematical functions and methods being explained, helps the user develop a deeper understanding of the operation of Mathematica. Topics such as machine precision, manipulating equations and numerical operations on data of equations are among the areas covered. An appendix provides a definitive summary of the complete Mathematica system in an accessible reference guide format. Included are descriptions of the functionality and semantics of all of the basic Mathematica objects.

This is a superb text which is an absolute must for anyone who uses Mathematica 3.0. New users will find it a friendly and concise introduction to the system, whereas more experienced users will find it an essential reference guide, and life‐long companion.