Introduction to MATLAB

MATLAB→ is an interactive scientific programming system, for numerical computation and graphical visualization, based on the matrix representation of data, whose name is derived from Matrix Laboratory. It is a multi-platform tool available for Windows, Unix (and BSD derivatives, Linux, Solaris, MacOS...) environments.

MATLAB was originally written in Fortran by C. Moler. The current version, written mainly in C (but also Perl, Java and others) by The MathWorks Inc. exists in professional and student versions, and is available on several platforms with only minor differences in functionality. MATLAB presents itself as a complete environment for calculation and visualization. Its relatively easy-to-learn programming language makes it an open, programmable environment that delivers significant productivity gains.

In addition to the kernel, MATLAB can be extended with tools ("tool boxes") specific to certain fields, such as signal processing, image processing, automatic control, statistics, mechanics, symbolic computation, neural networks... An additional Simulink→ environment can be added for block diagram programming.

As a result, MATLAB appeals to a wide audience, from industrial development and financial analysis to teaching and research. All you need to do is visit the MathWorks website, which offers a wealth of information on developments using this tool.

MATLAB is first and foremost a command language that can be interpreted, enabling simple use of data structures and rapid writing of complex programs. Although MATLAB is designed to be complete and self-contained, it is also open to other languages such as C, Fortran and Java, thus extending its possibilities. As with any command language, execution can be slow, especially when writing loops. Sensitive parts of the code can be written in another language to speed up execution. What's more, using the MATLAB Compiler toolbox, it's particularly easy to automatically generate C code and create a "stand-alone" program or shareable dynamic library from an application developed in MATLAB code.

The purpose of this document is to familiarize the reader with the use of MATLAB. Additional information can easily be obtained from the online help included with the software.

Clearly, MATLAB's capabilities are far greater than those described here, and you'll need to refer to the full documentation to use them.