The symbolic language paradigm of
Mathematica takes the concept of variables and functions to a new level. In
Mathematica a variable can not only stand for a value, but can also be used purely symbolically. And building on
Mathematica's powerful pattern language, "functions" can be defined not just to take arguments, but to transform a pattern with any structure.
f[x_]:=... — define a function that takes any single argument
Set (
=)
— immediate assignment (right-hand side evaluated immediately)
SetDelayed (
:=)
— delayed assignment (right-hand side evaluated only when used)
Clear — clear a function definition
e;e;e (
CompoundExpression)
— execute expressions in sequence
