The Mathematica front end and kernel

The Wolfram system has a modular structure and consists of two main parts. The one that directly performs all computations is called the kernel; the other part that interacts with the user is called the front end.

The kernel can be installed on the server, and it processes requests from multiple user interfaces. However, the single user interface can use several connected kernels for its computations.

In order to connect multiple kernels, navigate to Evaluation | Kernel Configuration Options… and click on the Add button.

In the dialog window that opens, you can select whether the kernel will be located on a local computer or on a remote computer in the network. You can also enter the parameters in order to connect to this computer. There is a capability to be always aware of which kernel was used for computations.

The front end has the following interfaces:

• Notebook: It is the document in which the user enters all the necessary expressions and algorithms.
• Text-based interface: It is a command-line interface. It is used in text operating systems and not in the graphics operating systems.
• Wolfram Symbolic Transfer Protocol (WSTP): It is the interface that enables interaction with other programs and modules.