FriCAS vs Maxima

Struggling to choose between FriCAS and Maxima? 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, 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.

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


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