>> Sage includes interfaces to Maxima and Octave. One can use
>> both systems from within Sage and pass data back and forth.
>> We have made _massive_ use of Maxima in Sage to date (note
>> that Sage includes Maxima). So Sage is a proof-of-concept that
>> there is genuine value in building community, collaboration, and
>> cooperation between open source math software projects.
> I agree that the whole idea of sage is quite promising. However, why not make
> even more powerfull. The key feature is a python interface to the different
> pieces of math software. So why not to provide just a python module without
> that all staff in 200Mb? Can the user make the choice by self what lisp, what
> CAS and what interpeter for numerics to use? Otherwise for each concrete
> situation is much easier and effective to use alternatives.
I think that ideally, that kind of modularity would be nice. However,
in Sage you can do things now (instead of tomorrow) and it works.
If enough people find it interesting, it can be made more modularized.
As I saw it so far, the decisions on sage-devel are made purely on the
technical merits, not some
philosophical abstract ideas, so if enough people find it good to do
it, it will be done.
Ondrej