GAP

What GAP is

GAP is a free software package for computing in discrete abstract algebra, especially computational group theory. It combines a programming language with thousands of functions that implement algebraic algorithms, along with extensive data libraries of algebraic objects. Its documented mathematical coverage includes groups, semigroups, and algebras.

Users can write programs in the GAP language and use them in the same way as programs from the system library. Independently developed GAP packages offer additional functionality, and the PackageManager can install a package from its name, an archive URL, a Git repository URL, or a PackageInfo.g URL. GAP is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and can be self-hosted. Unix users compile GAP; the archives include compiled executables for Windows and Mac, while some packages require extra installation for full functionality on Unix.

GAP is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or, at the recipient’s option, a later version. Redistribution and modification are permitted under its copyleft conditions, but proprietary modifications are not allowed. The Francy package supports Jupyter Lab and uses JupyterKernel to render graphics generated by GAP.

Who it suits

GAP suits mathematicians and developers working with discrete abstract algebra, particularly computational group theory, who need an extensible language and libraries of algorithms and algebraic objects. It can also suit users who want to add independently developed packages or use GAP-generated graphics in Jupyter Lab.

Limits

GAP is free software under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later, with copyleft conditions; proprietary modifications are not allowed. Unix users compile GAP, and some packages require additional installation for full functionality.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.gap-system.org/
2. Download the archive for your platform
3. Compile GAP if using Unix, or use the included executable for Windows or Mac
4. Install additional packages as needed with the PackageManager
5. For Francy notebook graphics, use Jupyter Lab

Verdict

Choose GAP if your work involves computational group theory or related algebraic structures and you want an extensible, free software package. Look elsewhere if you need proprietary modifications or a simpler installation route on Unix.