As you may already know, GNU Octave is a high-level programming language and numerical computing environment designed for scientific computing, data analysis, and machine learning. It provides a powerful interactive interface with extensive support for numerical operations, matrix manipulation, data visualization, and algorithm development. Octave is widely used in academia, research, and engineering fields as a free and open-source alternative to MATLAB.
With a syntax largely compatible with MATLAB, Octave allows users to run and modify scripts with minimal adjustments. It supports complex mathematical computations, including linear algebra, differential equations, and optimization problems. Additionally, Octave features built-in plotting capabilities using tools like Gnuplot or OpenGL, enabling users to generate detailed visualizations for their data.
Octave is available across multiple platforms, including Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its active community continuously contributes to improvements, making it a reliable and evolving tool for numerical computing. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or engineer, GNU Octave offers a versatile and cost-effective solution for high-performance mathematical computing.
The latest version
The latest version available is GNU Octave 9.4.0, which comes with small changes only.
Improvements and Fixes
- Fixed error in calculation of file timestamp on Windows.
GUI Updates
- Updated Spanish translation file
- Updated Brazilian Portuguese translation file
Build System / Tests
cellfun: Added test for function failing to return requested outputarrayfun: Added test for function failing to return requested output
Documentation
- Clarified default editor differences between CLI and GUI
How to Install GNU Octave on Ubuntu 24.10, Ubuntu 24.04, and Ubuntu 22.04 (via PPA)
Follow these steps to install Octave on Ubuntu using a Personal Package Archive (PPA).
(Optional) Step 0: Update Your System
Before installing any new software, update your system to ensure you have the latest packages and security updates:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yStep 1: Add the Octave Repository
The latest version of Octave is not always included in Ubuntu’s default repositories, so add the official PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/octavePress Enter when prompted to confirm.
Step 2: Update the Package List
After adding the Octave repository, update the package list:
sudo apt updateStep 3: Install GNU Octave
Now, install Octave with:
sudo apt install octave -y(Optional) Remove GNU Octave
To uninstall Octave, use:
sudo apt remove --autoremove octaveTo completely remove Octave, including all configuration files:
sudo apt purge octave -yTo remove the PPA repository:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/octaveFinally, clean up unnecessary dependencies:
sudo apt autoremove -yHow to Install GNU Octave on Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04, and Ubuntu 24.10 (via Flatpak)
What is Flatpak?
Flatpak is a universal package management system designed to provide a secure and consistent way of distributing applications across various Linux distributions. Unlike traditional package managers, Flatpak applications run in their own sandboxed environment, ensuring better security and isolation from system files.
One of Flatpak’s key advantages is its decentralized nature. Users can download applications from Flathub, the primary Flatpak repository, rather than relying on distribution-specific repositories. However, Flatpak applications may take up more space due to bundled dependencies.
Setup Flatpak and Install GNU Octave
If you prefer to install GNU Octave using Flatpak, follow these steps:
Step 1: Install Flatpak (if not already installed)
First, ensure that Flatpak is installed on your system. If it is not, install it with:
sudo apt install flatpakStep 2: Enable the Flathub Repository
Flathub hosts the Octave Flatpak package. To enable it, run:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoStep 3: Install GNU Octave using Flatpak
Now, install GNU Octave from Flathub with:
flatpak install flathub org.octave.OctaveStep 4: Launch GNU Octave
After installation, you can start GNU Octave by running:
flatpak run org.octave.OctaveAlternatively, you can find it in the Applications Menu.
(Optional) Uninstall GNU Octave
If you need to remove Octave, use the following command:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.octave.OctaveThis will completely remove Octave and its associated data.
Conclusion: GNU Octave vs. MATLAB
GNU Octave is an excellent open-source alternative to MATLAB, providing a similar syntax and functionality for numerical computing, data analysis, and visualization.
While MATLAB is a proprietary software widely used in industry and academia, Octave offers a free and community-driven option that is compatible with many MATLAB scripts. This makes it a great choice for students, researchers, and engineers who need powerful computational tools without the cost.
However, there are some differences between the two. MATLAB has a more refined user interface, better commercial support, and a larger ecosystem of specialized toolboxes.
On the other hand, Octave is continuously improving and supports many of MATLAB’s core features, making it a viable alternative for most applications. For those looking to transition from MATLAB to a free and open-source environment, Octave is a strong contender.
