Why Isn't Mathematica Showing the Expected Prompt and Output?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around issues faced by a new user of Mathematica regarding the visibility of prompt indicators and output results after executing commands. It includes inquiries about using special key combinations for input and clarifications on evaluating expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the prompt line "In1:=" will only appear after evaluating a line with -ENTER.
  • Another suggests checking the option to turn cell labels on or off, indicating that this might affect visibility.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about whether their input was evaluated correctly and seeks clarification on the command for showing cell labels.
  • One participant reports success after selecting the correct kernel setting, indicating a resolution to their initial issue.
  • Several participants discuss difficulties with using special key combinations as outlined in a tutorial, specifically regarding the sequence and timing of key presses.
  • One participant humorously describes the challenge of executing multiple key presses simultaneously, indicating a need for clearer instructions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for proper evaluation of commands and the importance of kernel settings, but there remains some confusion regarding the execution of special key combinations.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of familiarity with Mathematica, which may affect their understanding of the software's functionalities and key commands.

Who May Find This Useful

New users of Mathematica, particularly those encountering issues with command evaluation and input methods, may find this discussion helpful.

MathematicalPhysicist
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ive just started using mathematica from a server of my university (citrix), according to every tutorial of mathematica i should be getting at the prompt window, a line with In1:= but i don't see such a line.
and another thing, I've just started with basic arithematic operations, and it states that in order to see the output of say '1+1' i should press after typing '1+1' shift+enter, but it doesn't give any output.
how to reconcile this?

thanks in advance.
 
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You won't see the In1 until you evaluate the line, i.e. <SHIFT>-ENTER. Then You will see the In1 and OUT1 line markers.

There is an option to turn the cell labels of/on (ShowCellLabel). Look it up in the on-line help (a great resource). Perhaps you need to turn them on.

Did the cell get evaluated?
 
i don't know really, i typed '1+1' (without '_') and then pressed shift+enter, and then the black line appeared i guess it bacause it passes to the next line.
anyway, the showcelllabel is it a command should i type it or what exactly?
i looked at it in the help browser but didnt understand how to check on it.
anyway, i checked in the cell properties and the cell is open,editable and evautable.
 
ok it works now, apparently i should have chosen at kernel-notebook kernel-local.
 
i have a few questions I am now using the tutorial here:
http://documents.wolfram.com/v4/MainBook/1.1.7.html
the special keys to enter input there I am having difficulty using for example this example of theirs:
N[esc p esc ctrl{^]2 ctrl{ctrl-space] ctrl{/]6ctrl{ctrl-space]]
now the esc is okay, but with the control should i press with one stroke or one continuous stroke?
thanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
i have a few questions I am now using the tutorial here:
http://documents.wolfram.com/v4/MainBook/1.1.7.html
the special keys to enter input there I am having difficulty using for example this example of theirs:
N[esc p esc ctrl{^]2 ctrl{ctrl-space] ctrl{/]6ctrl{ctrl-space]]
now the esc is okay, but with the control should i press with one stroke or one continuous stroke?
thanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
For the esc characters, it is sequential. Howver, when you are doing the control--- you do both keys at the same time.
 
the problem is how exactly to do it? i know it's funny but i need something like five fingers to do this.
it looks stupid to me to do this, but still it's good to know it.
the art of typing (-:
 

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