# FriCAS

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q28955108](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28955108)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FriCAS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fricas

## Summary
FriCAS is a programming language and computer algebra system designed for symbolic computation and mathematical research. It is a cross-platform, open-source tool licensed under BSD licenses, with file extensions including `.spad`, `.input`, and `.as`.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Programming language and computer algebra system.
- **License**: BSD licenses.
- **Website**: [http://fricas.sourceforge.net/](http://fricas.sourceforge.net/).
- **File Extensions**: `.spad`, `.input`, `.as`.
- **Operating System**: Cross-platform.
- **MacPorts Port**: `fricas`.
- **Wikipedia Titles**: Available in English and German.
- **Wikidata Description**: "programming language."
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: `/g/11c3171mcl`.
- **Pro Linux.de DBApp ID**: 20113.
- **Repology Project Name**: `fricas`.
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted.

## FAQs

### Q: What is FriCAS used for?
A: FriCAS is primarily used for symbolic computation and mathematical research, providing tools for algebraic manipulation, calculus, and other advanced mathematical operations.

### Q: What platforms does FriCAS support?
A: FriCAS is cross-platform, meaning it can run on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

### Q: What are the file extensions associated with FriCAS?
A: FriCAS uses file extensions such as `.spad`, `.input`, and `.as` for its scripts and input files.

### Q: Is FriCAS open-source?
A: Yes, FriCAS is open-source and is licensed under BSD licenses, allowing for free use and modification.

## Why It Matters
FriCAS plays a crucial role in the field of computational mathematics by providing a powerful environment for symbolic computation. Its open-source nature and cross-platform compatibility make it accessible to researchers and developers worldwide, fostering innovation and collaboration in mathematical research and education.

## Notable For
- Being a **computer algebra system** that supports advanced mathematical computations.
- Its **cross-platform** compatibility, allowing it to run on various operating systems.
- The use of **BSD licenses**, which promote open-source development and collaboration.
- Supporting multiple **file extensions** (`.spad`, `.input`, `.as`) for different types of input and script files.
- Its inclusion in **MacPorts** as `fricas`, making it easily installable on macOS systems.

## Body

### Overview
FriCAS is a programming language and computer algebra system designed for symbolic computation. It is particularly useful for mathematical research, providing tools for algebraic manipulation, calculus, and other advanced mathematical operations.

### Licensing and Distribution
FriCAS is licensed under BSD licenses, which allow for free use, modification, and distribution. This open-source licensing model encourages collaboration and innovation within the mathematical and computational communities.

### Platform Support
FriCAS is cross-platform, meaning it can be installed and run on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that users can access FriCAS regardless of their preferred operating system.

### File Extensions
FriCAS supports several file extensions for its scripts and input files:
- `.spad`: Used for SPAD (Scratchpad) files, which are the primary script files for FriCAS.
- `.input`: Used for input files that contain commands and expressions to be executed by FriCAS.
- `.as`: Used for additional script files that may contain supplementary code or data.

### Installation and Availability
FriCAS is available through various package managers and repositories. For macOS users, it can be installed via MacPorts using the port name `fricas`. Additionally, FriCAS is listed in the Repology database under the project name `fricas`, making it easy to track and install across different Linux distributions.

### Community and Resources
FriCAS has a presence in online communities and resources, including Wikipedia entries in English and German. It is also listed in the Pro Linux.de database with the ID 20113, providing additional information and resources for users.

### Technical Details
FriCAS is designed to handle complex mathematical computations efficiently. Its architecture supports symbolic computation, making it a valuable tool for researchers and developers in fields that require advanced mathematical modeling and analysis.

### Related Projects and Tools
FriCAS is part of a broader ecosystem of computer algebra systems and mathematical software. Its open-source nature and compatibility with various platforms make it a versatile tool that can be integrated with other mathematical and computational tools.