Macaulay2
What Macaulay2 is
Macaulay2 is a free software system for research in algebraic geometry and commutative algebra. Its core algorithms compute Gröbner bases and graded or multigraded free resolutions of modules over quotient rings of polynomial rings. Other listed computations include Betti numbers, Ext, coherent-sheaf cohomology on projective varieties, primary decomposition of ideals, and integral closure. A high-level interpreted language provides access to the algorithms, along with a debugger, extensible classes, and methods for computing with those classes. Contributor-written packages can extend the system. Browser options include Macaulay2Web at the University of Melbourne or Georgia Tech, CoCalc, and SageMathCell. The project wiki lists ways to use Macaulay2 with Emacs, Sublime, VS Code, Jupyter, Vim, Neovim, and Zed. Installation documentation covers macOS, Linux distributions, and Windows Subsystem for Linux; the legacy downloads page also lists Windows downloads. The official Downloads page marks its files as historical references and points users to the wiki for current installation instructions. The homepage lists version 1.26.06 as the stable release, dated June 10, 2026.
Who it suits
Macaulay2 suits researchers and learners working in algebraic geometry or commutative algebra. Browser access and editor integrations offer different ways to use it, while installation guidance covers several operating systems.
What it does well
- Free software system
- Computes Gröbner bases and free resolutions
- Includes a high-level interpreted language and debugger
- Browser access is available
- Contributor packages can extend functionality
What to know first
- Current installation instructions are on the wiki
- Windows appears on the legacy downloads page
- The legacy downloads are for historical reference
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Macaulay2 | No plan or usage limits stated on the official site | Free |
As macaulay2.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Macaulay2 website
- Use the wiki for current installation instructions
- Install on macOS or a Linux distribution
- Use Windows Subsystem for Linux where applicable
- Try Macaulay2 through Macaulay2Web, CoCalc, or SageMathCell
Verdict
Macaulay2 provides a broad set of algebraic computations in a programmable research environment. Users seeking an installation should follow the wiki rather than rely on the historical downloads page.
Questions
Is Macaulay2 free?
Yes. It has a free plan priced at $0.
Which platforms are supported?
Platforms include Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows.
Can Macaulay2 run in a browser?
Yes. Browser access is available through Macaulay2Web, CoCalc, and SageMathCell.
What mathematics does it cover?
It focuses on algebraic geometry and commutative algebra, including Gröbner bases, free resolutions, Betti numbers, Ext, cohomology, primary decomposition, and integral closure.
Which tools can integrate with it?
The project wiki lists Emacs, Sublime, VS Code, Jupyter, Vim, Neovim, and Zed.
What is the current stable version?
The homepage lists version 1.26.06, dated June 10, 2026.
Facts from Macaulay2's own pages
- Additional mathematics
- The site lists Betti numbers, Ext, coherent-sheaf cohomology on projective varieties, primary decomposition of ideals, and integral closure among its computations. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Community support
- The site invites feedback through a Google discussion group, Zulip team chat, and bug reports. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Core computations
- Its core algorithms compute Gröbner bases and graded or multigraded free resolutions of modules over quotient rings of polynomial rings. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Current version
- The homepage lists version 1.26.06 as the stable release, dated June 10, 2026. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Funding
- The site says Macaulay2’s creation has been funded by the National Science Foundation since 1992. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Installation caveat
- The official Downloads page says its files are retained for historical reference and directs users to the wiki for current installation instructions. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project wiki lists ways to use Macaulay2 with Emacs, Sublime, VS Code, Jupyter, Vim, Neovim, and Zed. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The installation wiki documents macOS, Linux distributions, and Windows Subsystem for Linux; the site’s legacy downloads page also lists Windows downloads. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Packages
- Macaulay2 packages written by contributors extend the software’s functionality. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Programming
- The algorithms are accessible through a high-level interpreted language with a debugger, extensible classes, and methods for computing with those classes. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Macaulay2 is a software system for research in algebraic geometry and commutative algebra. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Web access
- Users can try Macaulay2 in a browser through Macaulay2Web at the University of Melbourne or Georgia Tech, CoCalc, and SageMathCell. · macaulay2.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where Macaulay2 stands on Freedom251
- Math Solver Apps#7 of 68