Summary

WLJS Notebook offers a freeware, web-based digital notebook for physics, math, and data science, serving as a lightweight, cross-platform alternative to Mathematica. It integrates Wolfram Language scripting with Javascript, GUI elements, and interactive evaluation for advanced mathematical workflows. Benefits include powerful features like 2D math input and LLM integration, accessible without subscription beyond Wolfram Engine registration.

How It Works

This interactive computing platform uses the free Wolfram Engine, combining live code cells (WL, JS, Mermaid), GUI blocks, narrative text, and visualizations. Key features include a fast, granular interactive evaluation engine, native 2D math input/output, and optional LLM integration for direct cell manipulation, aiming for a Mathematica-like experience within a Jupyter-compatible framework.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Installation: macOS via Homebrew (brew install --cask wolfram-engine), Windows via .exe installer, Linux via .deb package. Source install: wolframscript -f Scripts/start.wls. Docker image available.
• Prerequisites: Wolfram Engine (v13.3+ recommended, activation required).
• Links: Online demo 📺, Docs/Tutorials 📔, Github Discussions 💬, Telegram Support 🐴.

Highlighted Details

• Features true 2D math input/output with advanced keyboard shortcuts.
• Supports LLM integration for direct cell editing and GUI-in-Code emulation.
• Notebooks exportable as standalone HTML/Markdown/MDX without external dependencies.
• Compatible with Wolfram Mathematica and offers a Jupyter Lab-like notebook structure.
• Includes over 200 importers/exporters and a vast Wolfram Language standard library.

Maintenance & Community

An independent open-source project unaffiliated with Wolfram Research, reliant on community support (GitHub stars, donations). Community interaction via Github Discussions and Telegram Support Chat.

Licensing & Compatibility

Licensed under GNU GPLv3. Commercial use requires consulting the license agreement, potentially indicating restrictions or separate licensing needs.

Limitations & Caveats

On-demand license regime significantly slows the evaluation kernel. GPLv3 may impose copyleft requirements. Ubuntu 24.04 installation requires disabling AppArmor security features. Reliance on community support suggests potential bus factor concerns.