In the field of mathematical software packages, applications such as Wolfram Research’s Mathematica, and Maplesoft’s Maple system used to instantly spring to mind. These were both highly popular, proprietary, commercial, integrated mathematical software environments. Other types of mathematical software packages generally received much less publicity.
One such area is interactive geometry software, which combines three branches of mathematics: geometry, calculus and algebra. This type of software allows users to create and modify constructions, which are generally in plane geometry. Construction involves building mathematical shapes out of points, lines, conic sections, hyperbola, ellipses, and circles. These diagrams can then be altered and the effects of the mathematical properties of the shapes can be observed.
Typically geometry software covers a wide range of application areas, including pure Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, computer-aided design, and computational kinematics. It is often found being used for learning and teaching mathematics in schools and colleges and for research purposes.
We make the following recommendations captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. We include 2D and 3D software. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion here.
Click the links in the table below to learn more about each program.
| Geometry Software | |
|---|---|
| GeoGebra | Dynamic mathematics software for learning and teaching |
| Kig | KDE4 software for exploring geometric constructions |
| Dr. Geo | Interactive geometry software |
| SINGULAR | Commutative algebra system for polynomial computations |
| Macaulay2 | Supporting research in algebraic geometry and commutative algebra |
| polymake | Research in polyhedral geometry |
| C.a.R. | Dynamic geometry program for use in schools and universities |
| Geomview | For mathematics research and education |
| Geometria | Interactive software for creating and solving problems in 3D gemoetry |
| JGEX | Construct, explore and prove geometry theorems |
This article has been updated to reflect the changes outlined in our recent announcement.
 Explore our carefully curated directory of recommended free and open source software, covering every major software category.The directory forms part of our extensive collection of articles for Linux enthusiasts. It includes hundreds of detailed reviews, together with free and open source alternatives to proprietary software from companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. LinuxLinks also covers interesting projects worth exploring, Linux-compatible hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application that we haven’t covered? Tell us about it using our submission form. |
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