Mathematica vs Maxima

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

Mathematica is a Education & Reference solution with tags like mathematics, symbolic-computation, data-visualization.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

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	Mathematica	Maxima
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Education & Reference	Education & Reference

Product Overview

Mathematica

Description: 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.

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

Mathematica Features

• 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.

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

Mathematica

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.

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

Mathematica

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

Maxima

• Open Source