What it does
Giac/Xcas combines computer algebra, plotting, geometry, statistics and programming, with desktop and browser interfaces.
Giac is the GPLv3 calculation kernel behind Xcas, whose native interface combines algebra, plots, geometry and statistics. Check exact/approximate, real/complex and angle settings before reusing a result. Native sessions save as .xws; later Save updates that file, while Save As creates a separately named session. The browser interface has fewer functions and keeps editable command/result levels with update and trash/restore controls. It can save command history, export the full worksheet as HTML on desktop and save 2D graphs as SVG 1.2. Firefox is recommended; MathJax-based rendering and LaTeX comments can require internet even when the calculation engine works offline. Compatibility modes for Maple, MuPAD or TI notation do not establish complete workflow parity. A separate commercial dual licence is offered for integration needs.
Strengths
- Algebra, graphing, geometry and statistics
- Desktop and browser access routes
Watch out for
- Browser interface has fewer functions than the full application
Best for
- Symbolic mathematics across several representations
Sources
- Giac/Xcas, a free computer algebra system (Oct 26, 2026)
- Xcas Native Session Save and Replacement (Oct 26, 2026)
- Xcas Browser History and HTML/SVG Outputs (Oct 26, 2026)