Ask HN: What are the best computer algebra systems?

2 points·iNic··4 comments

There are seemingly a lot [0] of comuter algebra systems out there! I am a mathematics PhD and often work with a large zoo of inequalities. I would love to just know what people like using.

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_computer_algebra_systems

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I believe that the 'official answer' is that SageMath is the best of the free software CASs. I personally use Maxima, because it's good enough for my use cases (which involve a lot of finite sets and not many inequalities) and I've found it simpler to understand.

Obviously, Mathematica is the leader in academia generally, as far as I can tell, but I personally haven't had good experiences with it myself, but I also have a strong preference for free software, so I haven't tried to hard to get used to it.

Do you need the best, or will good enough be good enough?

I ask because I suspect, like cameras, the best computer algebra system is the one you have with you...or rather what matters is using one not shopping for one.

Anyway, there's Mathematica and everything else when it come to optimizing initial choice.

But I could be wrong. Good luck.

I have been using Desmos for a lot of things, which works really well. But I am thinking that it would be comforting to have something more formal.

I tried SageMath today with the help of ChatGPT and noticed that its support for inequalities was pretty dismal. Some pretty simple substitutions of inequalities into other inequalities was prohibited. I'll give Mathematica a try tomorrow.

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