Mathematica vs Maple?

Question

I am a freshman at college who is studying physics getting a bachelors in that and then a Masters in Meteorology. I will be taking a lot of math, physics and forecast analysis classes. Which program Mathematica or Maple would be the best program for me?

Answer 1

I've used both. I'm sure there are some subtle differences, but both accomplish the same thing pretty much. If you're planning on purchasing a program, it's pretty much going to be a waste. Every class is different and every professor has different expectations.



In my pursuit of a BSME I used all of the following at some point or another (in the order of use):



1. Mathematica

2. MatLAB

3. EES

4. Octave

5. Maple



My advice would be to just hold out... and be patient. There is no reason to buy one or the other only to have a professor or dept require you to get something else.

Answer 2

I hear Maple 15 is better than Mathematica. I am familiar with Mathlab, but not Matlab

Answer 3

They are only similar for simple tasks. When you start doing anything demanding, it is Mathematica that gives the answers and Maple that starts to fail.



Also, Maple plots will make you look a bit amateur compared to most plotting packages and especially compared to Mathematica.



For meterology you should also know that Mathematica has built in access to real-time weather date from every weather station in the world. Kinda cool!

Answer 4

I have some experience in Maple. i can tell you that it is great with solving variable equations. It also has a really neat graphical way to solve equations( very similar as if you were doing it by hand with pen and paper) as well as the old school 1D syntax way to solve equations.