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.

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.

GAP

GAP

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.

Categories:
algebra group-theory computer-algebra-system

GAP Features

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

Pricing

  • Open Source

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

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