Maxima vs SageMath

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

Maxima is a Education & Reference solution with tags like algebra, calculus, equations, matrices, stem.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Free and open source, Cross-platform compatibility, Extensive mathematical capabilities, Can be extended with new functions and features, Good documentation and active user community.

On the other hand, SageMath is a Education & Reference product tagged with algebra, analysis, calculus, combinatorics, geometry, number-theory, research, teaching.

Its standout features include Open-source mathematical software system, Supports various mathematical domains like algebra, calculus, combinatorics, numerical computation, Includes libraries like NumPy, SciPy, SymPy, Matplotlib, Interactive notebook interface (Sage Notebook) for calculations, plotting, documentation, Supports code in Python, Cython, C/C++, Fortran and more, Can be used as a server to collaborate with others, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Very extensive math functionality, Integrates many existing math libraries, Can be extended by writing new modules, Notebook interface good for learning and documentation.

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.

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


SageMath

SageMath

SageMath is an open-source mathematics software system licensed under the GPL. It builds on top of many existing open-source packages including NumPy, SciPy, matplotlib, Sympy, and more. It provides an interactive environment and library to support research and teaching across algebra, analysis, calculus, combinatorics, geometry, number theory, and more.

Categories:
algebra analysis calculus combinatorics geometry number-theory research teaching

SageMath Features

  1. Open-source mathematical software system
  2. Supports various mathematical domains like algebra, calculus, combinatorics, numerical computation
  3. Includes libraries like NumPy, SciPy, SymPy, Matplotlib
  4. Interactive notebook interface (Sage Notebook) for calculations, plotting, documentation
  5. Supports code in Python, Cython, C/C++, Fortran and more
  6. Can be used as a server to collaborate with others

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Very extensive math functionality

Integrates many existing math libraries

Can be extended by writing new modules

Notebook interface good for learning and documentation

Cons

Less user friendly than some commercial alternatives

Not as fast as optimized commercial math software

Requires more programming knowledge than some alternatives

Documentation can be technical

Not as polished UI as some alternatives