Which Math.NET Projects Are Active and Which Are Archived?

Updated

Math.NET currently maintains four active libraries: Numerics, Symbolics, Filtering, and Spatial. Four older projects—Iridium, Classic, Linq Algebra, and Yttrium—are archived. If you are starting a new .NET project, choose from the active set; the archived libraries are listed on the site only for historical reference and should not be selected for new development.

Active Math.NET projects

These are the toolkits the Math.NET initiative currently builds and maintains.

Project Focus What it covers
Math.NET Numerics Numerical computing Special functions, linear algebra, probability models, random numbers, interpolation, integral transforms, and more
Math.NET Symbolics Computer algebra A basic open-source computer algebra library for .NET and Mono, written entirely in F#
Math.NET Filtering (previously Neodym) Signal processing Digital filter design, applying filters to data streams using data converters, and digital signal generators
Math.NET Spatial Geometry A geometry library for .NET and Mono

Choosing among the active libraries

The four active projects target different problem domains, so the right pick depends on what you need to compute:

  • General numerical work — solving linear systems, generating random numbers, fitting or interpolating data, working with probability distributions: use Numerics. It is the broadest of the set and the one aimed at both advanced and everyday needs of .NET developers.
  • Symbolic manipulation — working with expressions algebraically rather than numerically: use Symbolics. Note that it is described as a basic library, so check that its scope matches your requirements before committing.
  • Digital signal processing — designing filters and running them over data streams: use Filtering.
  • Geometry — spatial/geometric computations: use Spatial.

Archived Math.NET projects

The following projects appear on the site under an "Archived Projects" heading:

  • Math.NET Iridium
  • Math.NET Classic
  • Math.NET Linq Algebra
  • Math.NET Yttrium

Because they are archived, treat them as inactive. The site does not present them as maintained toolkits, and no maintenance commitments are stated for them. In practice this means:

  • Do not adopt them for new projects.
  • If you encounter them in existing code, plan a migration path to an active equivalent rather than expecting updates.
  • Do not assume documentation, fixes, or compatibility work will continue.

How to get the active libraries

The Math.NET site points to GitHub, NuGet, and Discussions as its distribution and community channels. For a .NET project, NuGet is the natural installation route for the active libraries; GitHub is where the source lives. The site itself does not state pricing or licensing terms beyond describing Math.NET as an open-source initiative, so confirm the specific license of each package on its own repository or NuGet page before relying on it.

Quick decision guide

  1. Identify your domain: numerical, symbolic, signal processing, or geometry.
  2. Match it to Numerics, Symbolics, Filtering, or Spatial respectively.
  3. Verify the library's scope fits your task—especially for Symbolics, which is explicitly basic.
  4. Install via NuGet and consult GitHub/Discussions for support.
  5. If you find Iridium, Classic, Linq Algebra, or Yttrium in your dependency chain, treat it as a legacy item and migrate.