Which programming language is known for its use in mathematical and scientific computation?

FORTRAN is well-known for its historical significance and specialized use in mathematical and scientific computation. Developed in the 1950s, FORTRAN (short for "Formula Translation") was one of the first high-level programming languages and was designed specifically to facilitate numerical computation and scientific programming. Its ability to handle complex mathematical functions, efficient execution, and array manipulation made it a favorite among scientists and engineers, particularly in fields such as physics, engineering, and quantitative finance.

While languages like Python have gained popularity in recent years for similar tasks due to their user-friendliness and extensive libraries (like NumPy and SciPy) that support scientific calculations, FORTRAN remains a robust choice, especially in legacy systems and performance-critical applications where efficiency is paramount. Its syntax and structure are particularly suited for long and complex mathematical problems, further solidifying its reputation in the mathematical and scientific communities.