# Wolfram Research > American software company **Wikidata**: [Q1367937](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1367937) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfram_Research) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wolfram-research ## Summary Wolfram Research is an American software company founded in 1987 by Stephen Wolfram, best known for developing Mathematica, the Wolfram Language, and Wolfram|Alpha. It specializes in computational software and knowledge-based systems, serving as a leader in technical computing, symbolic mathematics, and data analysis. ## Key Facts - **Founded**: January 1, 1987 - **Founder**: Stephen Wolfram - **Headquarters**: Champaign, Illinois, United States - **Industry**: Software industry - **Employees**: 400 - **Key Products**: - Mathematica (computational software, released 1988) - Wolfram Language (programming language, 1988) - Wolfram|Alpha (computational search engine, 2009) - MathWorld (mathematical encyclopedia, 1999) - Wolfram SystemModeler (modeling environment) - CDF Player (Computable Document Format reader) - **File Formats**: Supports over 100 formats, including `.m`, `.wl`, `.nb`, `.cdf`, `.wls` - **Platforms**: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux - **Website**: [https://www.wolfram.com/](https://www.wolfram.com/) - **Blog**: [https://blog.wolfram.com/](https://blog.wolfram.com/) - **Social Media**: - Twitter: @WolframResearch - Facebook: wolframresearch - Instagram: wolframresearch - YouTube: wolframresearch - LinkedIn: wolfram-research - Mastodon: @Wolfram@mastodon.cloud - GitHub: wolframresearch - **Identifiers**: - ISNI: 0000000405013388 - GND: 1601705-5 - LCCN: no95048220 - VIAF: 263062089 - BNF: 160911417 - NDL: 002137843 - Freebase: /m/02h86l5 - Grid: grid.486191.3 - ORCID: 0000-0002-7472-4 - ROR: 03k118f17 - NLA: 987007605447805171 - **Sitelink Count**: 22 (Wikipedia) ## FAQs ### Q: Who founded Wolfram Research and when? A: Wolfram Research was founded by Stephen Wolfram on January 1, 1987. Stephen Wolfram is a British-American scientist known for his work in computational mathematics and theoretical physics. ### Q: What are the main products developed by Wolfram Research? A: Wolfram Research is best known for Mathematica (1988), the Wolfram Language (1988), Wolfram|Alpha (2009), MathWorld (1999), and Wolfram SystemModeler. These tools are widely used in scientific computing, data analysis, and mathematical research. ### Q: What platforms does Wolfram Research's software support? A: Wolfram Research's software, including Mathematica and the Wolfram Language, runs on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility ensures broad accessibility for users in academia, industry, and research. ### Q: What is the Wolfram Language? A: The Wolfram Language is a multi-paradigm programming language developed by Stephen Wolfram and Wolfram Research. It integrates functional, imperative, declarative, and object-based programming paradigms and serves as the foundation for Mathematica and other Wolfram products. ### Q: What is Wolfram|Alpha? A: Wolfram|Alpha is a computational search engine and answer engine launched in May 2009. It provides direct answers to factual queries by performing computations and retrieving data from curated knowledge bases. ### Q: Who are some notable people associated with Wolfram Research? A: Notable figures include Stephen Wolfram (founder and CEO), Conrad Wolfram (businessman and technologist), Theodore Gray (science writer and computer scientist), and Eric W. Weisstein (mathematician and creator of MathWorld). ### Q: What is the Computable Document Format (CDF)? A: The Computable Document Format (CDF) is a file format developed by Wolfram Research for creating interactive documents that combine text, graphics, and live computations. CDF Player is the software used to read and interact with these files. ### Q: What awards or recognitions has Stephen Wolfram received? A: Stephen Wolfram has received numerous accolades, including the MacArthur Fellows Program "Genius Grant" in 1981, the Friedrich L. Bauer Prize in 2009, and fellowships from the American Mathematical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. ### Q: What is the significance of Mathematica in scientific computing? A: Mathematica is a pioneering computational software program that integrates symbolic and numerical computation, visualization, and data analysis. It has been widely adopted in academia and industry for its powerful mathematical capabilities and user-friendly interface. ### Q: What is MathWorld? A: MathWorld is an online mathematical encyclopedia created by Eric W. Weisstein and hosted by Wolfram Research. It provides comprehensive coverage of mathematical concepts, formulas, and definitions, serving as a valuable resource for students and researchers. ## Why It Matters Wolfram Research has fundamentally transformed the landscape of technical computing by developing tools that bridge the gap between abstract mathematical theory and practical application. Mathematica, introduced in 1988, was one of the first software programs to integrate symbolic computation with numerical analysis and visualization, making it indispensable in fields ranging from physics and engineering to finance and data science. The Wolfram Language, with its multi-paradigm design, has set new standards for expressiveness and computational power, enabling researchers to tackle complex problems with concise, readable code. Wolfram|Alpha represents a paradigm shift in information retrieval, moving beyond traditional search engines to provide direct, computational answers to factual queries. This innovation has influenced how knowledge is accessed and utilized in education, research, and everyday life. The company's commitment to open knowledge is evident in projects like MathWorld, which democratizes access to mathematical information, and the Computable Document Format, which enables the creation of interactive, dynamic documents. Wolfram Research's impact extends beyond software development. Through its leadership in computational science, it has fostered a global community of users, educators, and developers who rely on its tools for cutting-edge research and innovation. The company's work has also inspired advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis, positioning it as a key player in the future of computational technology. ## Notable For - **Pioneering Computational Software**: Developed Mathematica, one of the first integrated environments for symbolic and numerical computation, which has become a standard tool in scientific and engineering fields. - **Multi-Paradigm Programming Language**: Created the Wolfram Language, which seamlessly integrates functional, imperative, declarative, and object-based programming paradigms, offering unparalleled flexibility and power. - **Computational Search Engine**: Launched Wolfram|Alpha, a groundbreaking answer engine that provides direct computational responses to factual queries, revolutionizing information retrieval. - **Mathematical Knowledge Base**: Hosts MathWorld, a comprehensive online encyclopedia of mathematics, serving as a critical resource for students, educators, and researchers worldwide. - **Interactive Document Format**: Developed the Computable Document Format (CDF) and CDF Player, enabling the creation and distribution of dynamic, interactive documents that combine text, graphics, and live computations. - **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Ensures its software runs on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, making its tools accessible to a broad user base across different operating systems. - **Influential Leadership**: Founded and led by Stephen Wolfram, a renowned scientist and MacArthur Fellow, whose vision has driven the company's innovations in computational science. - **Global Community**: Built a robust ecosystem of users, developers, and educators who contribute to and benefit from Wolfram Research's tools and resources. - **Awards and Recognition**: Stephen Wolfram's achievements, including the MacArthur Fellows Program and fellowships from prestigious academic societies, highlight the company's impact on computational science and technology. - **Extensive File Format Support**: Supports over 100 file formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of data types and applications, from scientific research to multimedia projects. ## Body ### History and Founding Wolfram Research was founded on January 1, 1987, by Stephen Wolfram, a British-American scientist with a background in theoretical physics and computer science. The company was established to develop and commercialize advanced computational software, with a focus on integrating symbolic and numerical computation. Wolfram's vision was to create tools that would empower researchers, engineers, and educators to solve complex problems more efficiently. ### Key Products and Innovations #### Mathematica Mathematica, released on June 23, 1988, was Wolfram Research's first major product and remains one of its most influential. It is a computational software program designed for mathematical computation, data analysis, and visualization. Mathematica integrates a functional and array programming language (the Wolfram Language) with advanced tools for symbolic manipulation, numerical analysis, and graphical representation. It is widely used in academia, industry, and research for its powerful capabilities and user-friendly interface. #### Wolfram Language The Wolfram Language is a multi-paradigm programming language that serves as the foundation for Mathematica and other Wolfram products. It supports functional, imperative, declarative, and object-based programming, making it highly versatile for a wide range of applications. The language is dynamically and strongly typed, with a focus on readability and expressiveness. It is used for everything from simple calculations to complex simulations and data analysis. #### Wolfram|Alpha Wolfram|Alpha, launched in May 2009, is a computational search engine and answer engine that provides direct answers to factual queries. Unlike traditional search engines, Wolfram|Alpha performs computations and retrieves data from curated knowledge bases to deliver precise, contextual responses. It is widely used in education, research, and everyday life for its ability to quickly provide accurate information on a wide range of topics. #### MathWorld MathWorld is an online mathematical encyclopedia created by Eric W. Weisstein and hosted by Wolfram Research. It provides comprehensive coverage of mathematical concepts, formulas, and definitions, serving as a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers. MathWorld is known for its depth and accuracy, making it a trusted reference in the mathematical community. #### Wolfram SystemModeler Wolfram SystemModeler is a modeling and simulation environment for cyber-physical systems. It is used to create and analyze complex systems, such as those found in engineering, biology, and economics. SystemModeler integrates with Mathematica and the Wolfram Language, providing a powerful platform for system modeling and simulation. #### CDF Player CDF Player, also known as Wolfram Player, is software developed by Wolfram Research to read and interact with Computable Document Format (CDF) files. CDF is a file format that enables the creation of interactive documents combining text, graphics, and live computations. CDF Player allows users to view and interact with these documents without requiring a full Mathematica installation. ### Leadership and Key Figures #### Stephen Wolfram Stephen Wolfram is the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research. He is a British-American scientist known for his work in computational mathematics, theoretical physics, and computer science. Wolfram is the creator of Mathematica, the Wolfram Language, and Wolfram|Alpha. He has received numerous accolades, including the MacArthur Fellows Program "Genius Grant" in 1981 and the Friedrich L. Bauer Prize in 2009. He is also a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. #### Conrad Wolfram Conrad Wolfram is an information technologist and businessman associated with Wolfram Research. He has played a key role in the company's development and growth, contributing to its strategic direction and technological innovations. #### Theodore Gray Theodore Gray is an American science writer and computer scientist employed at Wolfram Research. He is known for his work in science communication, including books like *The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe* and educational multimedia projects. Gray's contributions have helped make complex scientific concepts accessible to the public. #### Eric W. Weisstein Eric W. Weisstein is an American mathematician and the creator of MathWorld, a comprehensive online mathematical encyclopedia hosted by Wolfram Research. His work has provided a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers, making mathematical knowledge more accessible and understandable. ### Platforms and Compatibility Wolfram Research's software is designed to run on multiple platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for users. Mathematica, the Wolfram Language, and other products are compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform support allows users to leverage Wolfram's tools regardless of their operating system, making it a versatile solution for computational tasks. ### File Formats and Technical Specifications Wolfram Research's software supports a wide range of file formats, ensuring compatibility with various data types and applications. Mathematica and the Wolfram Language can read and write over 100 file formats, including: - **Readable Formats**: .3ds, ACO, AIFF, AVI, BDF, BMP, BZIP2, CDF, CIF, CSV - **Writable Formats**: .3ds, ACO, AIFF, AU, AVI, Base64, BMP, BYU, BZIP2, C This extensive format support makes Wolfram's tools highly versatile for scientific research, data analysis, and multimedia projects. ### Community and Resources Wolfram Research has built a robust community of users, developers, and educators who contribute to and benefit from its tools and resources. The company provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and support through its official website and blog. It also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Mastodon, and GitHub. The company's community includes: - **Stack Exchange**: Mathematica Stack Exchange is a popular forum for users to ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects. - **Subreddit**: The r/Mathematica subreddit is a hub for discussions, tutorials, and news related to Mathematica and the Wolfram Language. - **Documentation**: Wolfram Research provides comprehensive documentation and tutorials for its products, ensuring users can quickly learn and leverage its tools. ### Awards and Recognition Stephen Wolfram, the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research, has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to computational science and technology. These include: - **MacArthur Fellows Program**: Received the "Genius Grant" in July 1981, highlighting his early achievements in theoretical physics and computer science. - **Friedrich L. Bauer Prize**: Awarded in 2009 for his contributions to computational science and the development of Mathematica. - **Fellowships**: Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (2013) and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2023), recognizing his impact on mathematics and computational science. ### Impact and Influence Wolfram Research's innovations have had a profound impact on computational science, education, and industry. Mathematica has become a standard tool in scientific and engineering fields, enabling researchers to perform complex calculations and visualizations with ease. The Wolfram Language has set new standards for programming languages, offering unparalleled flexibility and power for a wide range of applications. Wolfram|Alpha has revolutionized information retrieval, providing direct, computational answers to factual queries and influencing how knowledge is accessed and utilized. MathWorld has democratized access to mathematical information, serving as a critical resource for students, educators, and researchers worldwide. The company's commitment to open knowledge and innovation has fostered a global community of users, developers, and educators who rely on its tools for cutting-edge research and innovation. Wolfram Research's work has also inspired advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis, positioning it as a key player in the future of computational technology. ### Future Directions Wolfram Research continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, with a focus on advancing computational science and technology. The company is actively involved in research and development, exploring new applications for its tools in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis. Its leadership in computational science ensures that it will remain a key player in shaping the future of technology and innovation. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.wolfram.com/company/background.html) 2. [Source](https://blog.wolfram.com/author/theodore-gray/) 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. CiNii Research 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. National Software Reference Library 8. [Source](http://api.crossref.org/members/2184) 9. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/) 10. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/user/WolframResearch) 11. GRID Release 2017-09-26 12. Quora 13. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions 14. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph 15. YouTube API 16. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)