FriCAS vs Scilab

Struggling to choose between FriCAS and Scilab? 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, Scilab is a Development product tagged with numerical-computing, data-analysis, signal-processing, control-systems.

Its standout features include Matrix operations, 2D & 3D plotting, Linear algebra functions, Statistics functions, Optimization algorithms, Signal processing toolbox, Control systems toolbox, Image processing toolbox, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Similar syntax to MATLAB, Cross-platform compatibility, Large collection of toolboxes, Active user community.

Feature	FriCAS	Scilab
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Education & Reference	Development

Product Overview

FriCAS

Description: 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.

Scilab

Description: Scilab is an open-source mathematical software that can be used for numerical computations. It provides a programming language and over 2,000 mathematical functions for engineering, scientific, and technical applications like data analysis, signal processing, control systems, and more.

Key Features Comparison

FriCAS Features

• 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

Scilab Features

• Matrix operations
• 2D & 3D plotting
• Linear algebra functions
• Statistics functions
• Optimization algorithms
• Signal processing toolbox
• Control systems toolbox
• Image processing toolbox

Pros & Cons Analysis

FriCAS

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

Scilab

Pros

• Free and open source
• Similar syntax to MATLAB
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Large collection of toolboxes
• Active user community

Cons

• Less comprehensive than MATLAB
• Limited graphical user interface
• Not as widely used in industry as MATLAB

Pricing Comparison

FriCAS

• Open Source

Scilab

• Open Source