Cadabra vs Maxima

Struggling to choose between Cadabra and Maxima? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Cadabra is a Science & Math solution with tags like algebra, tensor, polynomial, simplification, physics, opensource.

It boasts features such as Symbolic tensor computations, Component tensor computations, Extensible architecture, Python API, TeX and LaTeX output and pros including Specialized for tensor computations in theoretical physics, Clean and modular codebase, Active development and support.

On the other hand, Maxima is a Education & Reference product tagged with algebra, calculus, equations, matrices, stem.

Its standout features include Symbolic manipulation of mathematical expressions, Numerical computations, 2D/3D plotting and visualization, Solving equations and systems of equations, Matrix operations, Integration and differentiation, Taylor series expansions, Laplace and Fourier transforms, Probability and statistics functions, Unit conversions, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Cross-platform compatibility, Extensive mathematical capabilities, Can be extended with new functions and features, Good documentation and active user community.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Cadabra

Cadabra

Cadabra is an open-source computer algebra system designed specifically for advanced theoretical physics computations involving tensor polynomial simplifications. It has a modern codebase focused on flexibility, extensibility and understandability.

Categories:
algebra tensor polynomial simplification physics opensource

Cadabra Features

  1. Symbolic tensor computations
  2. Component tensor computations
  3. Extensible architecture
  4. Python API
  5. TeX and LaTeX output

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Specialized for tensor computations in theoretical physics

Clean and modular codebase

Active development and support

Cons

Limited user base compared to more general CAS

Less comprehensive documentation

Fewer supported operations than Mathematica or Maple


Maxima

Maxima

Maxima is an open-source computer algebra system that provides symbolic computation capabilities. It can manipulate mathematical expressions, differentiate and integrate functions, solve equations, work with matrices, graphs, and more. Useful for STEM fields like math, engineering, physics.

Categories:
algebra calculus equations matrices stem

Maxima Features

  1. Symbolic manipulation of mathematical expressions
  2. Numerical computations
  3. 2D/3D plotting and visualization
  4. Solving equations and systems of equations
  5. Matrix operations
  6. Integration and differentiation
  7. Taylor series expansions
  8. Laplace and Fourier transforms
  9. Probability and statistics functions
  10. Unit conversions

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform compatibility

Extensive mathematical capabilities

Can be extended with new functions and features

Good documentation and active user community

Cons

Steep learning curve

User interface not very intuitive

Limited capabilities for numeric computations compared to MATLAB or NumPy

Graphics and visualization not as advanced as MATLAB or Mathematica