Sage - Web environment for Mathematics

Yesterday I decided to check the status of the SAGE project. I had first heard about it an uncertain number of months ago, but didn't take the time to try it and see what it is all about.

It is a very interesting project in many respects. SAGE stands for:

Software for Algebra and Geometry Experimentation

But it's potentially much more than that. It is a web-based, notebook-style, mathematics environment which brings together, under a unified interface, a host of very powerful GPL'd Scientific apps, plus the python language.

Python glues the whole framework together, but is also available as a programming language. There is even version control for notebooks provided by Mercurial.

The full list of components is listed below:

1. bzip2: high-quality data compressor
2. ec: elliptic curve invariants and enumeration
3. GAP: Groups theory and Discrete Math
4. genus2reduction: curve data computation
5. GD: Dynamic graphics generation tool
6. GMP: Arbitrary Precision Arithmetic Library
7. GSL: Gnu Scientific Library
8. IPython: interactive shell
9. PNG: bitmap image support
10. Lcalc: L-functions calculator
11. Matplotlib: 2d plotting
12. Maxima: computer algebra system
13. Mercurial revision control system
14. MoinMoin Wiki
15. MPFI: Arbitrary precision interval arithmetic
16. MPFR: Arbitrary precision real arithmetic
17. MWRANK: elliptic curve calculator
18. NetworkX: Graph theory
19. NTL: Number theory C++ library
20. Numpy: Numerical linear algebra
21. OpenSSL: Secure networking
22. PALP: A Package for Analyzing Lattice Polytopes
23. PARI: Number theory calculator
24. pexpect: pseudo-tty control
25. pycrypto: Python implementation of cryptosystems
26. PyOpenSSL: Python interface to OpenSSL
27. Python: interpreted language
28. Readline
29. SageX -- compiled language; based on pyrex
30. Singular: fast commutative and noncommutative algebra
31. SQLite: Relation database
32. Sympow: L-function calculator
33. Tachyon: lightweight 3d ray tracer
34. Twisted: Python networking library
35. ZODB: Object-oriented database

SAGE is distributed as a fat binary for multiple platforms, so that it can be used immediately upon download. It can also be used on the console but I recommend running the Web interface.

Despite its version number, 2.3, I think the notebook interface could be improved to facilitate access to components. But its a very usable environment for both research and teaching, and has a very extensive documentation set.

Try it!