Mathematica - How to Go to Next Line Without Running Process?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the issue of executing multiple lines of input in Mathematica's free-form input mode without triggering immediate execution. Users have reported that pressing "Enter" or "Shift+Enter" runs the process instead of moving to the next line. The solution involves using the backslash character (\) at the end of a line to indicate that the expression is incomplete, allowing for continuation on the next line. However, it appears that this method may not apply to free-form input, which requires further clarification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with Mathematica's input modes, specifically free-form input.
  • Understanding of the Wolfram Language syntax and expression structure.
  • Basic knowledge of how to navigate Mathematica's settings and documentation.
  • Experience with using special characters in programming, such as the backslash (\).
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between Mathematica's free-form input and traditional input modes.
  • Learn about the use of continuation characters in the Wolfram Language.
  • Explore Mathematica's documentation on input syntax and expression evaluation.
  • Practice writing and executing expressions in Mathematica to gain proficiency.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for Mathematica users, particularly beginners who are navigating input modes and seeking to understand how to manage multi-line expressions effectively.

Ascendant0
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I am trying to run multiple lines input in Mathematica in the free-form input. From everything I read online, you simply hit "enter", but hitting enter runs my process. Both enters, the one next to my letters, and the one on the numerical keypad. Hitting shift+enter also runs it. I can't find anything explaining why this is happening. I would imagine it's some kind of setting I need to change in Mathematica, but I looked through settings and couldn't find one that would be applicable. Help please?
 
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See https://reference.wolfram.com/language/tutorial/InputSyntax.html#14153:

If at the end of a particular line the input you have given so far corresponds to a complete expression, then the Wolfram Language will normally begin immediately to process that expression.

You can however explicitly tell the Wolfram Language that a particular expression is incomplete by putting a ∖ or a  (\[Continuation]) at the end of the line. The Wolfram Language will then include the next line in the same expression, discarding any spaces or tabs that occur at the beginning of that line.
 
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pasmith said:
Thank you for the information. I can't look at the entire link while working, but I'll be able to later this evening.

I did have a minute to try using the "\" at the end of a line, and it is still processing it as soon as I hit enter. Is that \ maybe only applicable for "Mathematica Input" and not "Free-form input"? I still need to learn the Mathematica language, so I'm using the free form for now. I absolutely plan to learn the language before the end of this year, I just can't at this time.
 

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