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GNU Octave vs SageMath: catalog facts
GNU OctaveSageMath
Free

Free software under the GNU General Public License.

Free

Free and open source under the GPL.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Runs many Matlab scripts without changes
  • Built-in 2D and 3D plotting
  • Combines many mathematics libraries behind one Python-based language
  • Free alternative to Mathematica, Maple and Matlab
  • Compatibility with Matlab is partial, not complete
  • No equivalent of Matlab's commercial toolboxes beyond community packages
  • Windows needs the Windows Subsystem for Linux
  • Large install with a learning curve
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL License: GPL
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked October 1, 2026

Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.