MATLAB

MATLAB Information

Vendor: The MathWorks, web site
Category: Mathematical computation, analysis, visualization, and algorithm development
Platform(s): Linux, Windows
Licenses: 150 for most toolboxes, except 50 Wavelet
Version: 7.2.0 r2006a (Linux); 7.4.0.287 (r2007a) (Windows)
Help and Support: On-line help is available and the specific help web sites are directly linked to the MATLAB program. Within MATLAB, there is also an extensive Help Menu that explains all the functions, provides examples, and contains a sample workshop. To run the demo from Windows or Linux, select Help | Demos.

Matlab can be downloaded by Engineering students, staff, and faculty and run as tethered software.

Read about the change in the Matlab license server on 18 December 2006.

Matlab Help Desk
Matlab Digest is a quarterly electronic newsletter published by The Mathworks with practical tips and examples. Each issue has articles on technical issues; product and services; and training and events.

MATLAB Description

MATLAB is a technical program designed for an easy-to-use mathematical environment. The program combines computation, visualization, and programming to allow problem-solving in many different areas. Such areas include algorithms, data acquisition, data analysis, engineering graphics, and graphical interface building.

MATLAB Usage

What It Does

The basic element of MATLAB is the array. The lack of scalar notation within the array allows for efficient solutions to complex technical and mathematical problems.

How It Is Used

MATLAB has five main areas that are key to its system. The Development Environment is a set of tools that help facilitate the MATLAB functions. The MATLAB Mathematical Function Library consists of algorithms such as sine, cosine, sum, and complex algorithms for technical computation. The MATLAB Language is the array/matrix language that allows for complex data structures and input/output diagrams to be created. The Graphics area contains the facilities needed to display vectors, graphs, as well as two- and three-dimensional data visualization. The MATLAB Application Program Interface has facilities needed to write C code or other programs that can interact with MATLAB.

Usage Information

From a Linux workstation, type matlab from a shell prompt. On a Windows computer go to Start | All Programs | Engineering Software | MATLAB 7.0.4. Files can be saved in your own home directory or within MATLAB. The files can also be uploaded and sent via sftp or email.

updated: 27 May 2006