Difference Between WolframLang, Mathematica, WolframEngine, WolframScript
By Xah Lee. Date: . Last updated: .
Wolfram Language
is the programing language.
Wolfram Engine
is the engine that reads WolframLang source code and produce output. You can think of it as the compiler and run-time environment for WolframLang.
WolframScript
is a command line interface app to Wolfram Engine. You run WolframScript in terminal, like bash python ruby etc. You type WolframLang input and it prints textual output, interactively. WolframScript is bundled with Wolfram Engine and Wolfram Desktop.
WolframScript
Wolfram Notebook
(or Mathematica Notebook)
is a Graphical User Interface app to WolframEngine. It can display typeset math, 3D graphics with real-time rotation, play sound, and other interactive features. You get the Notebook from buying Mathematica or Wolfram Desktop.
Wolfram Notebook. PieChart3D[ {3, 10, 1}, ChartLabels -> {"a", "b","c"} ]
Wolfram Player
is a free app to display Wolfram Notebook files.
Mathematica and Wolfram Desktop
They are basically WolframEngine + Notebook app.
Also, WolframScript is included.
(They come in versions for desktop/laptop computer, cloud/internet, or phone.)