Frink 2026-03-16

Frink, developed by Alan Eliasen, is a versatile and powerful programming language and calculating tool designed to handle real-world problems with an emphasis on physical units, data analysis, and scientific computation. Frink stands out in the crowded landscape of programming languages due to its unique ability to seamlessly integrate calculations involving units of measure, ensuring that your computations are not only accurate but also contextually meaningful.

One of Frink's most compelling features is its robust handling of units and conversions. Unlike traditional programming languages that require manual conversion and unit management, Frink automates these processes, reducing the likelihood of errors and saving valuable time. Whether you're working with distances, weights, temperatures, or even more complex scientific units, Frink ensures that your calculations are dimensionally consistent.

Frink also excels in its support for high-precision arithmetic. It can handle numbers with arbitrary precision, making it an excellent choice for tasks that require exact calculations, such as financial modeling or scientific research. The language's built-in functions for date and time calculations, string manipulation, and regular expressions further extend its utility, making it a comprehensive tool for a wide range of applications.

The language's syntax is designed to be intuitive and easy to learn, even for those who may not have a background in programming. Its straightforward approach allows users to write clear and concise code, while its extensive documentation and examples provide ample support for beginners and advanced users alike.

Frink's capabilities are not limited to simple calculations. It includes powerful features for data analysis and visualization, allowing users to plot graphs and analyze data sets with ease. The language also supports complex mathematical functions, including calculus and linear algebra, making it suitable for advanced scientific and engineering tasks.

Another notable aspect of Frink is its portability. It runs on any platform with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android devices. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that you can use Frink in virtually any computing environment.

In addition to its technical prowess, Frink is also designed with an eye towards practicality and real-world application. It includes a vast library of built-in data, such as physical constants, astronomical data, and even historical currency conversion rates, providing users with a wealth of information at their fingertips.

In summary, Frink by Alan Eliasen is a multifaceted tool that combines the precision of a scientific calculator with the flexibility of a programming language. Its unique focus on units and real-world applicability, coupled with its high precision and extensive functionality, make it an invaluable resource for scientists, engineers, educators, and anyone who needs to perform accurate and meaningful calculations. Whether you're solving complex equations, analyzing data, or simply converting units, Frink offers a reliable and efficient solution.

Release notes:

New Release
Fixed the U.S. historical currency conversions to work again.
[ Frink full changelog ]