Microsoft confirmed the release (via TechDows) this week as part of Windows Calculator. The company announced the update alongside Windows 10 Insider Preview build 20161, which is a Windows 10 21H1 release. However, Windows Calculator is update out of Microsoft’s regular Windows update cycle. This means updates can arrive whenever and are not tied to build number releases. Microsoft explains Graphing Mode was one of the top-requested tools for the calculator. In a Windows blog post, the company says the following capabilities are available through the new feature:
“Plot one or more equations on the graph. Enter multiple equations so that you can compare plots against each other and see interactions between the lines. Add equations with variables. If you enter equations with variables (e.g., y = mx + b), you’ll be able to update the value of those variables to see the changes live on the graph. Analyze the graph. Trace plots with your mouse or keyboard and analyze equations to help identify key graph features, like the x- and y-intercepts.”
Open Source App
Last March, Microsoft announced its Windows Calculator application would become open source on GitHub. Since then we have seen feature development on the native Windows app pick up. Essentially, third-party dev’s can now contribute to the app with new features. Microsoft open sourced the Calculator app on GitHub to help bring more features to the tool. The company published the app under the MIT License with the build system, unit tests, product roadmap, and the source code.
