SymPy vs Maxima

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

SymPy is a Development solution with tags like mathematics, symbolic-math, computer-algebra.

It boasts features such as Symbolic mathematics, Computer algebra system, Mathematical expressions manipulation, Equation solving, Symbolic integration, Symbolic differentiation and pros including Open source, Free to use, Large community support, Extensive documentation, Integrates well with NumPy and SciPy.

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.

SymPy

SymPy

SymPy is an open-source Python library for symbolic mathematics. It provides computer algebra capabilities to manipulate mathematical expressions, calculate limits, solve equations, perform symbolic integration and differentiation, and more.

Categories:
mathematics symbolic-math computer-algebra

SymPy Features

  1. Symbolic mathematics
  2. Computer algebra system
  3. Mathematical expressions manipulation
  4. Equation solving
  5. Symbolic integration
  6. Symbolic differentiation

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source

Free to use

Large community support

Extensive documentation

Integrates well with NumPy and SciPy

Cons

Steep learning curve

Not as fast as optimized commercial CAS

Limited plotting capabilities

Not ideal for numerical computations


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