MATLAB vs Octave are mainly used for the same purpose. The main difference is syntax and other features. Matlab consist of specialized toolboxes which are not part of Octave. ... The main goal of the octave is to give freedom to users to choose which software to use run their code.

Should I use MATLAB or Octave?

MATLAB is probably a lot more powerful than Octave, and the algorithms run faster, but for most applications, Octave is more than adequate and is, in my opinion' an amazing tool that is completely free, where Octave is completely free.

Is Octave part of MATLAB?

Octave has been built with MATLAB compatibility in mind, and shares many features with MATLAB: Matrices as fundamental data type. Built-in support for complex numbers. Powerful built-in math functions and extensive function libraries.