GAP vs Maxima

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

GAP is a Education & Reference solution with tags like algebra, group-theory, computer-algebra-system.

It boasts features such as Group theory algorithms and data structures, Programming language for implementing algebraic algorithms, Extensive library of group theory functions, GAP kernel provides basic functions for lists, records, etc, Modular architecture allows extending functionality via packages and pros including Powerful tool for computational group theory research, Open source with active development community, Cross-platform support, Extensive documentation and tutorials available, Flexible and extensible via packages.

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.

Feature	GAP	Maxima
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Education & Reference	Education & Reference

Product Overview

GAP

Description: GAP is an open-source computer algebra system for computational discrete algebra, with particular emphasis on computational group theory. It provides a programming language, a library of thousands of functions implementing algebraic algorithms, and extensive documentation.

Maxima

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

GAP Features

• Group theory algorithms and data structures
• Programming language for implementing algebraic algorithms
• Extensive library of group theory functions
• GAP kernel provides basic functions for lists, records, etc
• Modular architecture allows extending functionality via packages

Maxima Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

GAP

Pros

• Powerful tool for computational group theory research
• Open source with active development community
• Cross-platform support
• Extensive documentation and tutorials available
• Flexible and extensible via packages

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Limited capabilities outside of group theory
• User interface not as polished as commercial alternatives
• Lacks some features of computer algebra systems like Mathematica or Maple

Maxima

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

Pricing Comparison

GAP

• Open Source

Maxima

• Open Source