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Wolfram Mathematica VS OpenSCAD

Compare Wolfram Mathematica VS OpenSCAD and see what are their differences

Wolfram Mathematica logo Wolfram Mathematica

Mathematica has characterized the cutting edge in specialized processing—and gave the chief calculation environment to a large number of pioneers, instructors, understudies, and others around the globe.

OpenSCAD logo OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.
  • Wolfram Mathematica Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-07
  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

We recommend LibHunt OpenSCAD for discovery and comparisons of trending OpenSCAD projects.

Wolfram Mathematica features and specs

  • Comprehensive Functionality
    Wolfram Mathematica offers a broad range of functions in various domains such as numerical computations, symbolic calculations, data visualization, and more.
  • High-Level Programming Language
    The Wolfram Language is a powerful, high-level programming language specifically designed for symbolic computation and algorithmic development.
  • Integrated System
    Mathematica integrates computation, visualization, and data seamlessly, providing an all-in-one system for technical computing.
  • Strong Community & Support
    Mathematica has a robust community of users and excellent support resources, including extensive documentation, user forums, and direct support.
  • Real-World Data Integration
    Integrated access to the Wolfram Knowledgebase allows users to import a vast array of real-world data directly into computations.
  • Interactive Notebooks
    Mathematica's notebook interface allows for interactive document creation, combining calculations, visualizations, narratives, and interactive controls.

Possible disadvantages of Wolfram Mathematica

  • High Cost
    Mathematica is quite expensive, especially for individual users and small businesses, with substantial licensing fees.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    The software can be difficult to learn for beginners due to its high-level and feature-rich environment.
  • Performance Limitations
    For certain large-scale numerical computations or simulations, Mathematica may underperform compared to specialized numerical software.
  • Closed Source
    Unlike some other computational tools, Mathematica is not open-source, which can be a disadvantage for those who prefer open-source software for flexibility and transparency.
  • Version Compatibility
    There are sometimes compatibility issues between different versions of Mathematica, which can cause problems when sharing code and documents between users with different versions.
  • Hardware Requirements
    Mathematica can be resource-intensive and may require high-performance hardware to run efficiently, especially for complex tasks.

OpenSCAD features and specs

  • Parametric Design
    OpenSCAD allows for parametric design, meaning that models can be easily adjusted and customized by changing parameters. This makes it highly adaptable for a wide range of applications.
  • Script-based Modeling
    Using a scripting language for modeling allows for precise control and fine-tuning of designs. Users can write scripts to generate complex geometries that may be difficult to achieve through traditional CAD interfaces.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source software, OpenSCAD is freely available to download, use, and modify. This encourages a community-based approach to development and support.
  • Cross-Platform
    OpenSCAD is available on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling a wider range of users to access and use the software.
  • No GUI Overhead
    Because OpenSCAD relies on text-based scripting instead of a graphical user interface, it is lightweight and less resource-intensive compared to some other CAD programs.

Possible disadvantages of OpenSCAD

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    Users need to learn the OpenSCAD scripting language, which can be a barrier for those unfamiliar with coding or those coming from traditional CAD software background.
  • Limited GUI
    Unlike other CAD programs that offer extensive graphical tools for creating and modifying models, OpenSCAD has a minimal GUI. This can make it less intuitive for users who prefer visual interaction.
  • Rendering Speed
    Complex models can take a significant amount of time to render, which could be a drawback for users who need quick iterations and immediate visual feedback.
  • Limited Interactivity
    The interactivity in OpenSCAD is relatively limited. Users need to compile or preview their designs frequently to see changes, which can slow down the design process.
  • Fewer Features Compared to Professional CAD Software
    OpenSCAD lacks some advanced features and tools that are found in professional CAD software, limiting its use for certain complex design projects.

Analysis of OpenSCAD

Overall verdict

  • OpenSCAD is a robust tool, especially if you have a programming background or enjoy algorithmic design. It may not be as intuitive for those accustomed to traditional CAD software interfaces, but its capabilities for parametric modeling make it a valuable tool in the right hands.

Why this product is good

  • OpenSCAD is a script-based 3D CAD modeler that offers a solid platform for those who prefer designing through coding rather than a traditional graphical interface. Its parametric nature allows for precise and customizable 3D models, which is ideal for complex designs.

Recommended for

  • Engineers and designers with programming experience
  • Hobbyists and makers interested in 3D printing
  • Users who prefer parametric and script-based design
  • Projects requiring precision and repetitive patterning

Wolfram Mathematica videos

Introduction to Wolfram Notebooks

OpenSCAD videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

More videos:

  • Tutorial - OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Wolfram Mathematica and OpenSCAD)
Technical Computing
100 100%
0% 0
3D
41 41%
59% 59
Numerical Computation
100 100%
0% 0
Architecture
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Wolfram Mathematica and OpenSCAD. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Wolfram Mathematica and OpenSCAD

Wolfram Mathematica Reviews

10 Best MATLAB Alternatives [For Beginners and Professionals]
Wolfram Mathematica is packed with features that make your computations super-easy. Mathematica can handle any visualizations or plot with ease.
6 MATLAB Alternatives You Could Use
Deveoped by Wolfram Research, the pioneers of computational software, Mathematica comes with a truckload of features for all your mathematical computational needs. The latest version boasts over 700 new functions, as well as multiple function libraries and geo visualization/animation tools. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From 2D/3D image processing to enhanced...
Source: beebom.com

OpenSCAD Reviews

11 KiCad Alternatives
OpenSCAD is a worldwide 3D CAD modeler that allows skilled programmers and designers to create solid 3D CAD objects in the shortest time feasible. The software works with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. This CAD application's distinguishing feature is that it is based on programming that includes 3D modelling, ready-to-use items and designs, and the ability...
9 Free CAD Software to Download
For those who want to work on the specifics, especially engineers, OpenSCAD is your ideal 3D modeling platform. It does not have interactive modeling for you to design your model, but instead relies more on what you defined in the parameters through the script files.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenSCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 99 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Wolfram Mathematica mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Wolfram Mathematica yet. Tracking of Wolfram Mathematica recommendations started around Mar 2021.

OpenSCAD mentions (99)

  • Visual Explanations of Mathematics
    There is also Joyce's Java Version of Euclid's Elements: https://mathcs.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/elements/elements.html and I'm still impressed by the custom Unity tools which Freya Holmér uses for her videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvPPXbo87ds Wish Geogebra was both more capable and widely used: https://www.geogebra.org/ That said, these days if I need to plot out something I just use OpenSCAD:... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Powerful, Open-Source, Programmatic CAD
    Or you can download OpenSCAD. https://openscad.org. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Make a thing
    As part of the task, I needed code-based CAD and I found one, probably the most popular out there - Openscad https://openscad.org/. It’s well known solution and definitely the learning curve is more gentle, but also not trivial, especially for more complex shapes. - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
  • POV-Ray – The Persistence of Vision Raytracer
    If you once enjoyed POV, check out OpenSCAD. It's quite similar in terms of CSG concepts and primitive animation capability, but more useful for getting actual mechanical design work done. https://openscad.org/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: What Underrated Open Source Project Deserves More Recognition?
    There's OpenSCAD, but I don't think it's exactly what you mean https://openscad.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Wolfram Mathematica and OpenSCAD, you can also consider the following products

MATLAB - A high-level language and interactive environment for numerical computation, visualization, and programming

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

GNU Octave - GNU Octave is a programming language for scientific computing.

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

Scilab - Scilab Official Website. Enter your search in the box aboveAbout ScilabScilab is free and open source software for numerical . Thanks for downloading Scilab!

BRL-CAD - BRL-CAD: Open Source Solid Modeling