RunMat executes MATLAB syntax for math and physics, with GPU acceleration and geometry or finite element support.
Open source
24 alternativesOctave
GNU Octave is a programming language for scientific computing with mathematical syntax.
About Octave
GNU Octave is a programming language for scientific computing with mathematics-oriented syntax. The homepage describes linear algebra operations on vectors and matrices, built-in 2D and 3D plotting and visualization commands, and an interpreter that can run in GUI mode, as a console, or inside a shell script. It runs on GNU/Linux, macOS, BSD, and Microsoft Windows.
The syntax is described as largely compatible with Matlab, and many Matlab scripts are described as drop-in compatible. The homepage does not say that all Matlab scripts will run unchanged. Additional functionality can be added through packages listed at packages.octave.org. The homepage lists GNU Octave 11.3.0 as released on Jun 1, 2026.
Key features
- Mathematics-oriented syntax for scientific programming
- Linear algebra operations on vectors and matrices, including solving linear systems
- Built-in 2D and 3D plotting and visualization commands
- Interpreter usable in GUI mode, as a console, or in shell scripts
- Extensible with add-on packages listed at packages.octave.org
- Syntax largely compatible with Matlab, with many Matlab scripts described as drop-in compatible
Best for: Users who write scientific or mathematical programs and want Matlab-like syntax, especially those who need to run existing Matlab scripts.
Good for
- The homepage describes it as free software licensed under the GNU General Public License.
- Runs on GNU/Linux, macOS, BSD, and Microsoft Windows.
- Many Matlab scripts are described as drop-in compatible.
Watch out for
- Matlab compatibility is described as largely compatible, so some Matlab scripts may need changes.
- Obtaining the development version of the sources requires Mercurial to be installed.
Octave at a glance
- Website
- octave.org
- Category
- Development › Programming Languages
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Octave FAQ
Which operating systems does GNU Octave run on?
The homepage states that GNU Octave runs on GNU/Linux, macOS, BSD, and Microsoft Windows.
How can GNU Octave be extended?
GNU Octave can be extended by packages, which are listed at https://packages.octave.org/.
What is the latest release shown on the homepage?
GNU Octave 11.3.0, dated Jun 1, 2026. An official Windows binary installer is available, and macOS installation instructions are in the wiki.
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