Maxima is a system for the manipulation of symbolic and numerical expressions, including differentiation, integration, Taylor series, Laplace transforms, ordinary differential equations, systems of linear equations, polynomials, and sets, lists, vectors, matrices, and tensors.
Maxima yields high precision numeric results by using exact fractions, arbitrary precision integers, and arbitrarily precision floating point numbers.
Maxima can plot functions and data in two and three dimensions. Octave package is able to perform matrix and vector mathematics, numerically solve differential equations, and plot data utilizing Gnuplot.
The software is derived from the Macsyma system, developed at MIT in the years 1968 through 1982 as part of Project MAC.& Macsyma was revolutionary in its day, and many later systems, such as Maple and Mathematica, were inspired by it.
Features include:
- Manipulation of symbolic and numerical expressions.
- Differentiation.
- Integration.
- Taylor series.
- Laplace transforms.
- Ordinary differential equations.
- Systems of linear equations.
- Polynomials.
- Sets, lists, vectors, matrices, and tensors.
- Complete programming language with ALGOL-like syntax.
- Lisp-like semantics, facilitating teaching programming and computer algebra.
- Uses gnuplot for drawing.
- Various graphical user interfaces (GUI) are available for Maxima: wxMaxima is a cross platform GUI based on wxWidgets, TeXmacs and SAGE can be used to provide an interactive GUI. Another alternative is Imaxima, and an Emacs interaction mode.
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: maxima.sourceforge.io
Support: Documentation, Mailing Lists
Developer: Many
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
Maxima is written in Lisp. Learn Lisp with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Return to Scientific | Return to Computer Algebra Systems
| Popular series | |
|---|---|
 | The largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions. |
 | Hundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information. |
 | The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions. |
 | Replace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS. |
 | Awesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series. |
 | Machine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source. |
 | New to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux. |
 | Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities. |
 | Essential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users. |
 | Linux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine. |
 | Surveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal. |
 | Saving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux. |
 | Home computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. |
 | Now and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride. |
 | Linux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged. |
 | Linux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery. |
 | Getting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers. |
 | Best Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series. |
 | These best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today! |
 | These free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series. |
 | Linux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts. |
 | Stars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA. |