More power through symbolic computation: Extending Stata by using the Maxima computer algebra system
Giovanni L. Lo Magno
Department of Economics, Business, and Statistics
University of Palermo
Palermo, Italy
[email protected]
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Abstract. Maxima is a free and open-source computer algebra system that can
perform symbolic computations such as solving equations, determining derivatives
of functions, obtaining Taylor series, and manipulating algebraic expressions. In
this article, I present the Maxima Bridge System, which is a collection of software
programs that allows Stata to interface with Maxima so that Maxima can be used
for symbolic computation to transfer data from Stata to Maxima and to retrieve
results from Maxima. The cooperation between Stata and Maxima provides an
environment for statistical analysis in which symbolic computation can be easily
used together with all the facilities supplied by Stata. In this environment, symbolic
computation algorithms can be used to manage the complexity of algebra
and calculus, whereas numerical computation can be used when speed matters. I
also discuss the software architecture of the Maxima Bridge System, and I present
several examples to illustrate how to develop new Stata commands that exploit
the capabilities of Maxima.
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Giovanni L. Lo Magno
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maxima, maximaget, maximaput, Maxima Bridge System, symbolic computation, computer algebra system
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