# GiNaC > computer algebra system **Wikidata**: [Q1083683](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1083683) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GiNaC) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ginac ## Summary GiNaC is a free software computer algebra system and software library designed for symbolic and mathematical calculations. Distributed under the GNU General Public License, it enables users to model, analyze, and calculate numeric, symbolic, or geometric data. The project is actively maintained, with its source code hosted on Codeberg and its latest stable release identified as version 1.8.10. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** GiNaC is an instance of a software library, computer algebra system, and mathematical software. - **License:** It is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License. - **Latest Version:** The stable version is 1.8.10, dated February 11, 2026. - **Official Website:** The project is hosted at `https://www.ginac.de/`. - **Source Repository:** The source code is maintained on Codeberg at `https://codeberg.org/ginac/ginac`. - **Programming Language:** The software is written in the programming language identified by Wikidata ID Q2407 (C++). - **Package Availability:** GiNaC is available through software repositories such as openSUSE (package: ginac) and MacPorts (port: GiNaC). ## FAQs ### Q: What type of software is GiNaC? A: GiNaC is a computer algebra system and software library used for symbolic and mathematical computations. It allows users to model, analyze, and calculate numeric or symbolic data. ### Q: Is GiNaC free to use? A: Yes, GiNaC is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License. This grants users the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions. ### Q: Where can the source code for GiNaC be found? A: The source code repository is hosted on Codeberg. It can be accessed at `https://codeberg.org/ginac/ginac`. ## Why It Matters GiNaC holds a significant position in the landscape of open-source scientific computing. As a computer algebra system (CAS), it fills a critical niche for researchers, physicists, and mathematicians who require a robust tool for manipulating symbolic expressions rather than just numerical approximations. Unlike proprietary alternatives, GiNaC is "free software," a classification that guarantees users the essential freedoms to run, study, modify, and redistribute the program. This open nature fosters a collaborative environment where the code can be audited and improved by the community, ensuring transparency and longevity for scientific work. Furthermore, GiNaC distinguishes itself by being designed as a "software library" first. While many computer algebra systems function as standalone applications, GiNaC's architecture allows it to be embedded directly into other C++ programs. This extensibility makes it highly valuable for developers creating complex scientific simulations or educational tools who need to integrate algebraic capabilities directly into their software without relying on external executables. Its availability across various platforms, including openSUSE and MacPorts, further lowers the barrier to entry, making advanced mathematical computation accessible to a wider audience. ## Notable For - **Hybrid Functionality:** It is distinctively recognized as both a "computer algebra system" and a "software library," allowing for integration into larger applications. - **Free Software Principles:** It is strictly committed to the free software definition, distributed under the GNU General Public License. - **Cross-Platform Availability:** The software is widely accessible through multiple package managers, including openSUSE and MacPorts. - **Active Development:** The project shows active maintenance with a designated stable release (1.8.10) and a modern source repository on Codeberg. - **Multilingual Documentation:** It maintains a presence across diverse linguistic regions, with Wikipedia entries in English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Russian, Serbian, and Chinese. ## Body ### Nature and Purpose GiNaC is a mathematical software tool that operates as a computer algebra system (CAS). Its primary purpose is to model, analyze, and calculate numeric, symbolic, or geometric data. It is categorized as a software library, meaning it provides a collection of resources (such as pre-written code and subroutines) that developers can use to optimize and implement algebraic functionalities within other programs. It is listed in the Free Software Directory, confirming its status as free software. ### Licensing and Usage The project is distributed under the **GNU General Public License**. As free software, it adheres to the philosophy that users should have the liberty to run the software for any purpose, study how it works, adapt it to their needs, and redistribute copies to help others. This licensing ensures that GiNaC remains a community-driven resource that can be freely integrated into academic and commercial workflows without licensing fees. ### Technical Specifications and Repository GiNaC is written in the programming language referenced as Q2407 (C++). The project's development is transparent and centralized, with the official source code repository located at **Codeberg**. * **Repository URL:** `https://codeberg.org/ginac/ginac` * **Open Hub ID:** ginac * **Repology Project:** ginac ### Version History The most recent stable release of the software is **version 1.8.10**. According to the provided structured data, this release is associated with the date **2026-02-11**. The project maintains an active online presence at its official website, `https://www.ginac.de/`. ### Distribution and Availability GiNaC is readily available for installation across different operating systems through various package management systems. It is listed as a package for **openSUSE** (identified as `ginac`) and is available for macOS via **MacPorts** (identified as `GiNaC`). It is also tracked on Repology, a package tracker monitoring the packaging status of free software projects. The software has a global reach, with documentation and information available in seven languages on Wikipedia: English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Russian, Serbian, and Chinese. ## References 1. [The ginac Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/ginac/analyses/latest/languages_summary) 2. [release 1.8.10](https://www.ginac.de/ginac.git/?p=ginac.git;a=shortlog;h=refs/tags/release_1-8-10) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. [The ginac Open Source Project on Open Hub: Code Locations Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/ginac/enlistments)