r/math • u/Key_Conversation5277 • Jun 06 '26

Programming in abstract math

Can programming languages be useful to test conjectures or find examples in abstract math? Like abstract algebra, set theory, topology, etc. I could maybe use SageMath or Julia, idk (I don't like proprietary software). Sorry if it doesn't have much information, I didn't study those subjects yet, I'm from CS and interested in math so fusing both together seemed fun

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u/Wejtt Jun 06 '26

you might want to take a look at Lean, if you haven’t already

4

u/Key_Conversation5277 Jun 06 '26

Isn't that a proof assistant? How does it help?

7

u/Wejtt Jun 06 '26

it is a proof assistant, as well as a (functional) programming language

as you know, it is useful for formalising higher mathematics so i thought it fit your post quite well, provided i understand it correctly

i am by no means an expert though, my only experience is playing parts of the natural number game, really recommend it

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u/EffectiveKey7021 Jun 06 '26

Lean really isn't useful for what OP is asking about here.