FriCAS vs Mathematica

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

FriCAS is a Education & Reference solution with tags like computer-algebra-system, symbolic-computation, mathematics.

It boasts features such as Symbolic computation and algebraic manipulation, Interactive environment for mathematical exploration, Supports arithmetic, calculus, linear algebra, combinatorics, number theory, etc., Computer algebra system kernel written in Common Lisp, Notebook interface for literate programming, Extensible through user-defined domains and packages, Translators to and from Maple and Mathematica and pros including Powerful open source computer algebra system, Flexible and extensible architecture, Notebook interface promotes interactive workflows, Strong symbolic capabilities for advanced math, Translators allow interoperability with other CAS tools.

On the other hand, Mathematica is a Education & Reference product tagged with mathematics, symbolic-computation, data-visualization.

Its standout features include Symbolic and numerical computation, 2D and 3D data visualization, Programming language and development environment, Large library of mathematical, statistical, and machine learning functions, Natural language processing capabilities, Can be used for applications like data analysis, modeling, education, research, engineering, finance, and more., and it shines with pros like Very powerful and versatile for technical computing, Intuitive syntax and workflows, Excellent graphics, plotting, and visualization capabilities, Can handle both symbolic and numeric computations, Has many built-in algorithms, models, and datasets, Can automate complex tasks and workflows, Integrates well with other systems and languages.

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.

FriCAS

FriCAS

FriCAS is an open source computer algebra system that specializes in symbolic computation. It has a powerful engine for manipulating mathematical expressions and can be used for calculus, number theory, algebra, and more.

Categories:
computer-algebra-system symbolic-computation mathematics

FriCAS Features

  1. Symbolic computation and algebraic manipulation
  2. Interactive environment for mathematical exploration
  3. Supports arithmetic, calculus, linear algebra, combinatorics, number theory, etc.
  4. Computer algebra system kernel written in Common Lisp
  5. Notebook interface for literate programming
  6. Extensible through user-defined domains and packages
  7. Translators to and from Maple and Mathematica

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Powerful open source computer algebra system

Flexible and extensible architecture

Notebook interface promotes interactive workflows

Strong symbolic capabilities for advanced math

Translators allow interoperability with other CAS tools

Cons

Less user-friendly than Mathematica or Maple

Smaller user community than proprietary alternatives

Not as full-featured for numeric computation

Documentation can be technical and terse


Mathematica

Mathematica

Mathematica is a computational software program used for symbolic mathematics, numerical calculations, data visualization, and more. It has a wide range of applications in STEM fields including physics, chemistry, biology, and finance.

Categories:
mathematics symbolic-computation data-visualization

Mathematica Features

  1. Symbolic and numerical computation
  2. 2D and 3D data visualization
  3. Programming language and development environment
  4. Large library of mathematical, statistical, and machine learning functions
  5. Natural language processing capabilities
  6. Can be used for applications like data analysis, modeling, education, research, engineering, finance, and more.

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based
  • Volume Licensing Available
  • Free Trial Version

Pros

Very powerful and versatile for technical computing

Intuitive syntax and workflows

Excellent graphics, plotting, and visualization capabilities

Can handle both symbolic and numeric computations

Has many built-in algorithms, models, and datasets

Can automate complex tasks and workflows

Integrates well with other systems and languages

Cons

Steep learning curve

Expensive proprietary software

Not open source

Not as fast as lower-level languages for some numerical tasks

Limited applications outside of technical fields

Not as popular for general programming compared to Python, R, etc.