Symbolic Package for GNU Octave

An implementation of a symbolic toolbox using SymPy.

https://octave.sourceforge.io/symbolic

https://github.com/gnu-octave/symbolic

Goals

Feature parity with the other symbolic toolboxes.

How to Install

1. The dependencies are Octave, Python, and SymPy. Consult the SymPy
   website for details on how to install SymPy.

2. Start Octave.

3. At Octave prompt type pkg install -forge symbolic.

4. At Octave prompt, type pkg load symbolic.

5. At Octave prompt, type syms x, then f = (sin(x/2))^3,
   diff(f, x), etc.

How to install on Ubuntu

1. Install the dependencies with
   sudo apt install octave python3-sympy.
2. Follow steps 2--5 above.

How to Install on Windows

1. Get Octave for Windows.

2. At the Octave prompt, type pkg install -forge symbolic.

3. At the Octave prompt, type pkg load symbolic.

4. At the Octave prompt, type syms x, then f = (sin(x/2))^3,
   diff(f, x), etc.

If you encounter any difficulties (even minor ones) please read and
if possible help us improve the
wiki page on Windows Installation.

How to Install on Matlab

Although this package is designed for GNU Octave, it will work with
Matlab. Currently only the slower system()-based communication is
available.

1. Download the latest release, e.g., octsympy-matlab-2.7.0.tar.gz.

2. Unzip it somewhere and add it to your Matlab Path.

The .m files for Matlab have been reformatted for Matlab comment
conventions, but are otherwise the same as the Octave source.

How to Help

We have a list of things to work on tagged help
wanted.
Some of these should be quite easy to fix and would be a great way to
get involved. Come join us!

How to hack on the code:

1. Clone the repo with git (preferred, but you can use the "Download
   ZIP" instead if you want).

2. Run Octave in the inst/ directory. It should be safe
   to do this even if you have the released version of the package
   installed (but not loaded).

Implementation

Python code is generated to do the actual work. Each sym object keeps
a text field for display purposes and a string (a SymPy srepr). The
objects are communicated between Python and Octave by passing the
srepr string back-and-forth. Currently pure m-file (and Python)
implementation, no code to be compiled.

Related Projects

• There was a previous "symbolic" package in Octave Forge based on
  GiNaC. Its history has now been merged into this project.

• "SymPy CAS" by Jonathan Lister.
  Calls SymPy commands using system().