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KarlBogha14-Alexandrite
14-Alexandrite
January 19, 2026
Solved

Has Wolfram become a serious competitor to Prime (Mathcad)?

  • January 19, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 289 views

Hello All,

 

Has the Math software Wolfram become a competitor to Prime in terms of Engineering value?

 

In Prime going back 10 years or so, I used simple loops to get my calculations done.

Which these loops are basic to Mathcad and Prime.

I have not known Prime for a programming language rater symbolic programming for loops etc.

I have come across Wolfram very often when I need something to calculate on the spot using the internet. Thru that I have recently learnt that it is quite impressive.

You can set a grid worksheet and have its color light green too like Prime/Mathcad sheets.
So, for me that is some cause of an attraction or pull to Wolfram.

Especially considering the price.

And it is loaded with a full programming language.

 

Tell me am I missing the serious engineer deep thoughts on this?

Your comments are appreciated.

 

 

Kind Regards,

Karl Bogha.

Best answer by LucMeekes

The software of Wolfram has always been a competitor of Mathcad and Prime. While Wolfram's Mathematica is more powerfull (mathematically) than both Mathcad and Prime, it comes with a steep learning curve and (at least versions up to 6) did not offer the 'scratchpad' interface introduced first by Mathcad and later by Prime  (now also offered by Maple Flow, and yes, as it seems, by WolframAlpha), that allows a 'natural' entering of mathematical expressions.

To be able to set a grid on the worksheet and change its colour are certainly important features for this type of software.

 

Success!
Luc

1 reply

L
LucMeekes23-Emerald IVAnswer
23-Emerald IV
January 19, 2026

The software of Wolfram has always been a competitor of Mathcad and Prime. While Wolfram's Mathematica is more powerfull (mathematically) than both Mathcad and Prime, it comes with a steep learning curve and (at least versions up to 6) did not offer the 'scratchpad' interface introduced first by Mathcad and later by Prime  (now also offered by Maple Flow, and yes, as it seems, by WolframAlpha), that allows a 'natural' entering of mathematical expressions.

To be able to set a grid on the worksheet and change its colour are certainly important features for this type of software.

 

Success!
Luc

    K
    KarlBogha14-AlexandriteAuthor
    14-Alexandrite
    January 20, 2026

    Thanks for the prompt reply. Using Mathcad or Prime for starting engineering students is comfortable.

    This being time wise and ease of use.

    Especially how the matrix is assigned and how each element value entered. Great.

     

    Regards,

    Karl.

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