2024 starts with an unexpected turn toward scientific computing.
SymbolicLabLanguage
I’ve been contributing to SymbolicLabLanguage, a project from Emerald Cloud Lab. It’s written in Mathematica (Wolfram Language), which is quite different from my usual web development work. The language is designed for symbolic computation and has a unique approach to programming.
Learning Wolfram Language
Mathematica’s pattern matching and symbolic manipulation capabilities are fascinating. It’s a functional language with a very different feel from the imperative and object-oriented languages I typically use. The learning curve is steep but rewarding.
Why Scientific Computing?
Scientific software has different requirements than business software. Precision matters enormously. Reproducibility is critical. The users are domain experts who think in mathematical terms. It’s a refreshing change of perspective.