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Fernando Rios
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I am stuying physics by myself and I would like to get a Computer Algebra System. Does anybody has any suggestions?
Dale, you are right. I actually tried to install SageMath into my computer, but my computer prevented me from doing it. So then I tried to install FreeMat. Do you know why my computer doesn't let me install SageMath?Dale said:I think you probably meant to ask @jedishrfu instead of me. I have never used it. I generally just read the documentation for other software.
Do you suggest me to learn Mathematica in order to learn more advanced physics?Dale said:No, I don’t. I was able to install it on my home computer but not my work computer. I assumed that it was due to some security configuration on my work computer. My IT people are a little overbearing.
Do you have any idea of how to learn FreeMat? When I click on "Online Manual", the program closes.jedishrfu said:How about Freemat or Octave or Julia. These can do vector and matrix operations quite well and all are free, free free free.
How about the anaconda distribution of python with numpy scipy sympy matplotlib and pandas great for numerical work like machine learning.
Mathematica can do symbolic math and so can python with sympy. I am not sure about how well julia works with symbolic math though.
Fernando Rios said:Do you have any idea of how to learn FreeMat? When I click on "Online Manual", the program closes.
Fernando Rios said:Do you suggest me to learn Mathematica in order to learn more advanced physics?
Ok, I understand that. Do physics majors learn it to perform physics calculations?Dr Transport said:Mathematica won't teach you advanced physics, it is a tool to do calculations.
Fernando Rios said:I am stuying physics by myself and I would like to get a Computer Algebra System. Does anybody has any suggestions?
jedishrfu said:How about Freemat or Octave or Julia.
They do, but it is a steep learning curve. I do not know it and I am a fairly successful theoretical physicist. I'm not an advocate of using computer algebra systems as an undergraduutel because I am an advocate of repetition is the best learning tool, unless it is directly needed for a specific class.Fernando Rios said:Ok, I understand that. Do physics majors learn it to perform physics calculations?
yesFernando Rios said:Ok, so do you suggest to first focus on the physics and then try CAS later on?
wle said:You can try Maxima, if you want to try a free one.
These aren't computer algebra systems.
Julia is also relatively new and I have doubts about its stability. I've used it and I've had issues with e.g. code I wrote a few years ago no longer working because the version got upgraded in the intervening years and they changed things in a way that broke backward compatibility. I had similar problems a few years ago because the versions of Julia I had installed on my home and work computers at the time were different. I like what Julia is trying to do but this is the main reason I don't recommend it, especially for beginners, at least for now. Julia passed version 1.0 recently though so maybe this will change in the future.
I disagree with both of these. The learning curve is not that steep, particularly not for Mathematica which has been developed with a very consistent interface. SageMath is a bit of a hodgepodge so it does have a steeper learning curve.Dr Transport said:They do, but it is a steep learning curve. I do not know it and I am a fairly successful theoretical physicist. I'm not an advocate of using computer algebra systems as an undergraduutel because I am an advocate of repetition is the best learning tool, unless it is directly needed for a specific class.
A Computer Algebra System is a software package that allows for symbolic mathematical computations. It can manipulate mathematical expressions and equations, perform algebraic operations, and solve equations.
A CAS can be used in physics self-study to help with complex calculations and problem-solving. It can also assist in visualizing and understanding mathematical concepts and equations.
There are many CAS available, but some popular ones for physics self-study include Mathematica, Maple, and Wolfram Alpha.
No, a CAS should not be used as a replacement for traditional study methods. It can be a helpful tool, but it is important to also practice solving problems by hand and understanding the underlying concepts in physics.
No, most CAS have user-friendly interfaces and do not require programming knowledge. However, having some basic programming knowledge can be helpful in utilizing more advanced features of a CAS.