MATLAB

MATLAB for PC combines a desktop environment tuned for iterative analysis and design processes with a programming language that expresses matrix and array mathematics directly. It includes the Live Editor for creating scripts that combine code, output, and formatted text in an executable notebook. Whether you’re analyzing data, developing algorithms, or creating models, MATLAB is designed for the way you think and the work you do.

MATLAB toolboxes are professionally developed, rigorously tested, and fully documented. The app lets you see how different algorithms work with your data. Iterate until you’ve got the results you want, then automatically generate a MAT LAB for Windows program to reproduce or automate your work.

Scale your analyses to run on clusters, GPUs, and clouds with only minor code changes. There’s no need to rewrite your code or learn big data programming and out-of-memory techniques.

MATLAB code is production-ready, so you can go directly to your cloud and enterprise systems, and integrate with data sources and business systems. Automatically convert algorithms to C/C++, HDL, and CUDA code to run on your embedded processor or FPGA/ASIC.

It works with Simulink to support Model-Based Design, which is used for multidomain simulation, automatic code generation, and test and verification of embedded systems.

Bring your ideas from research to production

Deploy to Enterprise Applications
MATLAB code is ready for production, allowing you to seamlessly integrate it into your cloud and enterprise systems. It can easily connect with data sources and business systems, ensuring smooth integration.

Run on Embedded Devices
Convert your algorithms to C/C++, HDL, or CUDA code automatically. This enables you to run your algorithms efficiently on embedded processors or FPGA/ASIC platforms, extending the reach of your applications.

Integrate with Model-Based Design
It seamlessly integrates with Simulink to support Model-Based Design. This approach facilitates multidomain simulation, automatic code generation, and comprehensive testing and verification of embedded systems. By leveraging Simulink's capabilities, you can streamline your development process and ensure the reliability of your embedded systems.

Capabilities

Data Analysis: It provides tools to explore, model, and analyze data efficiently.

Graphics: It offers features to visualize and explore data, allowing users to create informative and visually appealing plots and charts.

Programming: Users can write scripts, functions, and classes in the app, enabling them to develop complex algorithms and applications.

App Building: It allows users to create desktop and web applications with a user-friendly interface for interactive data analysis and visualization.

External Language Interfaces: The software seamlessly integrates with other programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Fortran, Java, and more, enabling users to leverage their existing code and libraries.

Hardware Integration: It provides capabilities to connect and communicate with hardware devices, allowing users to interface with sensors, actuators, and other external devices.

Parallel Computing: The app enables users to perform large-scale computations and parallelize simulations using multicore desktops, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), clusters, and cloud computing resources.

Web and Desktop Deployment: The program allows users to share their MATLAB programs easily with others by creating standalone executables, web applications, or integrating with other software systems.

MATLAB in the Cloud: Users can run MATLAB in cloud environments, including MathWorks Cloud, as well as popular public clouds such as AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Azure (Microsoft Azure), providing flexibility and scalability for computation and collaboration.

Highlights

• High-level language for scientific and engineering computing
• Desktop environment tuned for iterative exploration, design, and problem-solving
• Graphics for visualizing data and tools for creating custom plots
• Apps for curve fitting, data classification, signal analysis, and many other domain-specific tasks
• Add-on toolboxes for a wide range of engineering and scientific applications
• Tools for building applications with custom user interfaces
• Interfaces to C/C++, Java, .NET, Python, SQL, Hadoop, and Microsoft Excel
• Royalty-free deployment options for sharing programs with end-users

Use MATLAB for:

Control Systems
Design, test, and implement control systems for various applications.

Deep Learning
Prepare data, design neural networks, simulate models, and deploy deep learning solutions.

Image Processing and Computer Vision
Acquire, process, and analyze images and video for algorithm development and system design.

Space Systems
Develop software for space systems, including control, communication, and data analysis.

Machine Learning
Train models, fine-tune parameters, and deploy machine learning solutions for production or edge devices.

Predictive Maintenance
Create and deploy software for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance in industrial settings.

Robotics
Transform robotics ideas and concepts into autonomous systems that seamlessly operate in real-world environments.

Signal Processing
Analyze signals and time-series data, model and simulate signal processing systems.

Test and Measurement
Acquire, analyze, and explore data while automating tests and measurements.

Wireless Communications
Create, design, test, and verify wireless communications systems using the app.

User Interface

It features a user-friendly interface that consists of multiple windows and panels. The main window provides access to the command window, editor, workspace, and other essential components. The interface is highly customizable, allowing users to arrange and dock panels according to their preferences. MATLAB's syntax highlighting and auto-complete features enhance the programming experience, enabling users to write code efficiently.

How to Use

Data Analysis: It provides a comprehensive set of functions for data manipulation, exploration, and analysis. Users can import data from various file formats, apply statistical methods, and visualize the results using built-in plotting functions.

Algorithm Development: MATLAB's interactive environment makes it easy to develop and test algorithms. Users can write code in the MATLAB language, leverage built-in functions, and iterate quickly to refine their algorithms.

Simulation and Modeling: MATLAB's simulation capabilities enable users to model and simulate complex systems. By defining system parameters and using mathematical models, users can analyze system behavior and make informed decisions.

Application Development: It allows users to create standalone applications using the App Designer tool. With drag-and-drop functionality and built-in templates, users can develop custom graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for their applications.

Collaboration and Sharing: It supports collaboration through the MATLAB Online platform, allowing users to work on projects together and share code, scripts, and visualizations.

What's New

• Introducing the pivot function (R2023a) for creating pivot tables to summarize tabular data.
• Use the trenddecomp function (R2021b) to decompose data into long-term and seasonal trends.
• Import various types of data in live scripts (R2023a) with the Import Data feature.
• Compute by Group (R2021b) to summarize, transform, and filter groups of data, and Normalize Data (R2021b) to center and scale data.
• Create Plot (R2021a) for visualizing and exploring your data.
• Preprocess and organize column-oriented data using the Data Cleaner app (R2022a).
• Discover and connect to hardware from the program using the Hardware Manager app (R2022a).
• Use the Code Compatibility Analyzer app (R2022a) to identify and address compatibility issues against the current version of MATLAB.
• Find and fix code issues interactively with the Code Analyzer app or programmatically using the fix function (R2023a).
• Run tests and view results using the Test Browser app (R2023a).
• Use the build tool (R2022b) for creating and running software-build tasks efficiently.
• Create graphical class diagrams with the Class Diagram Viewer tool (R2021a) to explore class hierarchy and details.
• Convert between the app datetime and duration types and their corresponding types in Python and NumPy (R2023a).
• Pass NumPy arrays directly to the functions (R2022b).
• Use name=value syntax to pass keyword arguments to Python functions (R2022a).
• View and edit Python files with syntax highlighting, auto-indenting, and delimiter matching (R2022a).
• Run Python commands (pyrun) and scripts (pyrunfile) from the app (R2021b).

FAQ

Q: How much does MATLAB cost?
A: It offers various pricing options depending on the type of license and intended usage. The pricing details can be found on the MathWorks website.

Q: Can MATLAB interface with other programming languages?
A: Yes, it supports integration with other programming languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python, allowing users to leverage existing code and libraries.

Q: Is MATLAB suitable for machine learning and deep learning tasks?
A: Absolutely. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for machine learning and deep learning, including prebuilt models, algorithms, and visualization capabilities.

Q: Does MATLAB support parallel computing?
A: Yes, it offers parallel computing capabilities, allowing users to leverage multiple processors or clusters for faster execution of computationally intensive tasks.

Q: Can I use MATLAB for real-time applications?
A: It provides Simulink, a graphical environment for modeling, simulating, and analyzing dynamic systems. Simulink is widely used for real-time applications, including control systems and robotics.

Alternatives

While MATLAB is a powerful tool, there are alternative software options available in the market, each with its own strengths and focus areas. Some popular alternatives to the app include:

• Python - with scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, etc.)
• R programming language
• Julia
• GNU Octave
• Mathematica

Pricing

MATLAB's pricing varies based on the type of license and intended usage. MathWorks offers flexible licensing options for academic, commercial, and personal use. For detailed pricing information, it is recommended to visit the MathWorks website or contact their sales representatives.

MATLAB Standard - Individual License - EUR 860 per year
For use at a commercial, government, or other organization.

MATLAB and Simulink Startup Suite - Individual License - EUR 3.500 per year
For use at approved early-stage companies. Includes MATLAB, Simulink, and 90+ add-on products.

MATLAB Academic - Individual License - EUR 262 per year
For use in teaching and academic research at a degree-granting institute.

MATLAB and Simulink Student Suite - Individual License - EUR 69 (Perpetual)
For use in conjunction with courses offered at a degree-granting institution. Includes MATLAB, Simulink, and 10 add-on products.

MATLAB Home - Individual License - EUR 119 (Perpetual)
For personal use only. This license option is not for government, academic, commercial, or other organizational use.

System Requirements

The system requirements for MATLAB may vary depending on the specific version and operating system. Generally, it requires a modern computer with a decent processor, sufficient RAM, and a supported operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). It is advisable to check MathWorks' official documentation for the specific system requirements.

PROS

• Versatile and powerful mathematical computation capabilities.
• Extensive library of built-in functions and toolboxes.
• Interactive programming environment for algorithm development.
• Robust data visualization and plotting tools.
• Support for application deployment on various platforms.

CONS

• It can be expensive, particularly for commercial use.
• Steeper learning curve compared to some other programming languages.
• Large datasets may require significant memory resources.
• The graphical user interface (GUI) design tools can be improved.
• Some advanced features and toolboxes require additional licensing.

Conclusion

MATLAB has established itself as a dominant force in the field of numerical and scientific computing. Its vast array of features, powerful computational capabilities, and extensive library of functions make it a preferred choice for professionals in various domains. Whether you're an engineer, scientist, or data analyst, MATLAB's versatility and interactive programming environment offer unparalleled opportunities for exploration, analysis, and algorithm development.

Although it comes with a price tag and requires some learning, the benefits and wide range of applications justify its popularity in the scientific and engineering communities.

Note: 30-day trial version (personal account required). Evaluate MATLAB, Simulink, and 70+ products. Hardware accelerated graphics card supporting OpenGL 3.3 with 1GB GPU memory is recommended.

Also Available: Download MATLAB for Mac