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Axiom

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What Axiom is

Axiom is a free scientific computation system for Linux, macOS, and Windows, available under a BSD-like license. The project traces its development to 1971, when it was called Scratchpad. It combines a programming language, built-in compiler, and strongly typed mathematical type hierarchy, with an algebra hierarchy aimed at SPAD programmers. Subject coverage is broad, and the system works offline. Documentation includes a tutorial, user guide, programmer’s guide, and developer’s guide. Axiom also provides an X11 graphics subsystem and a gallery of generated images. Downloads include source code and describe precompiled binaries for various platforms; the FAQ reports 92 MB of source and about 56 MB when compiled. Platform setup differs: Windows use is described with an X server and Linux installation, while macOS notes report pseudo-terminal issues affecting Hyperdoc and graphics. The project is being reimplemented as a literate program, and documentation describes work toward Firefox as a new front end.

Who it suits

Axiom suits users seeking broad, offline scientific computation with programming, algebra, graphics, and extensive documentation. It is relevant to SPAD programmers and desktop users on the listed operating systems.

What it does well

  • Free BSD-like licensed software
  • Built-in programming language and compiler
  • Strongly typed mathematical hierarchy
  • Broad subject coverage
  • Offline desktop operation

What to know first

  • Windows setup requires an X server and Linux installation
  • macOS issues affect Hyperdoc and graphics
  • Project is being reimplemented

Verdict

Axiom provides a broad scientific-computing environment with its own language, compiler, algebra system, and graphics. Platform-specific setup and macOS limitations are important considerations alongside its long-running development history.

Facts from Axiom's own pages

Algebra
Axiom includes a language and algebra hierarchy for SPAD programmers. · nongnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Browser interface
The documentation page says Axiom is being reworked to use Firefox as its new front end. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Development
The project says it is being reimplemented as a literate program. · nongnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Documentation
The project documents Axiom through volumes including a tutorial, user guide, programmer guide, and developer guide. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Downloads
The download page provides source code and describes pre-compiled binaries for various platforms. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Founded
1971 · nongnu.org, 28 Sept 2026
Free software
The FAQ says Axiom is free software available under a BSD-like license. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Graphics
Axiom includes an X11 graphics subsystem and a gallery of images created using Axiom. · nongnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
License
Axiom is free software available under a BSD-like license. · nongnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Linux
The FAQ lists Debian and Red Hat Linux among systems on which Axiom has been compiled and run. · nongnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
macOS
The download page includes Mac OS X Intel compile notes and mentions limitations affecting Hyperdoc and graphics. · nongnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
macOS limitation
The download page says the macOS port has pseudo-terminal issues that affect Hyperdoc and graphics. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Programming
Axiom includes a programming language and a built-in compiler. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Project history
The project page says Axiom has been in development since 1971, when it was called Scratchpad. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Project size
The FAQ reports 92 MB of source code and about 56 MB once compiled. · nongnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Purpose
Axiom is a general purpose computer algebra system for research and development of mathematical algorithms. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Support
The FAQ identifies Tim Daly as Lead Axiom Developer. · nongnu.org, 11 Oct 2026
Type system
Axiom defines a strongly typed, mathematically correct type hierarchy. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026
Windows
The Windows instructions say Axiom needs an X server and a Linux installation to run on a Windows box. · nongnu.org, 12 Oct 2026

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