PTC Mathcad vs FriCAS

Struggling to choose between PTC Mathcad and FriCAS? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

PTC Mathcad is a Office & Productivity solution with tags like math, engineering, calculation, analysis, documentation.

It boasts features such as Perform calculations and visualize engineering concepts, Document engineering work using standard math notation, Solve equations and systems of equations, Analyze data and plot graphs, Automate repetitive tasks, Share calculations through reports, web pages and Microsoft Office integration and pros including Intuitive interface for entering and editing mathematical expressions, Live mathematical notation updates results dynamically, Units intelligence ensures dimensional consistency, Visualize concepts with graphs, charts and images, Reuse calculations by managing them in worksheets and libraries.

On the other hand, FriCAS is a Education & Reference product tagged with computer-algebra-system, symbolic-computation, mathematics.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

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.

PTC Mathcad

PTC Mathcad

PTC Mathcad is engineering calculation software used for solving, analyzing, and sharing engineering design knowledge. It allows engineers to capture and reuse design knowledge and provides a way to document work using standard mathematical notation.

Categories:
math engineering calculation analysis documentation

PTC Mathcad Features

  1. Perform calculations and visualize engineering concepts
  2. Document engineering work using standard math notation
  3. Solve equations and systems of equations
  4. Analyze data and plot graphs
  5. Automate repetitive tasks
  6. Share calculations through reports, web pages and Microsoft Office integration

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Intuitive interface for entering and editing mathematical expressions

Live mathematical notation updates results dynamically

Units intelligence ensures dimensional consistency

Visualize concepts with graphs, charts and images

Reuse calculations by managing them in worksheets and libraries

Cons

Steep learning curve compared to general math software

Limited to mathematical and technical calculations

Not designed for statistical analysis

Collaboration requires purchase of additional server product


FriCAS

FriCAS

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.

Categories:
computer-algebra-system symbolic-computation mathematics

FriCAS Features

  1. Symbolic computation and algebraic manipulation
  2. Interactive environment for mathematical exploration
  3. Supports arithmetic, calculus, linear algebra, combinatorics, number theory, etc.
  4. Computer algebra system kernel written in Common Lisp
  5. Notebook interface for literate programming
  6. Extensible through user-defined domains and packages
  7. Translators to and from Maple and Mathematica

Pricing

  • Open Source

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