A Brief Introduction to MATLAB Shibaji Shome and Rob MacLeod CVRTI University of Utah
Dec 20, 2015
What is MATLAB?
• MATrix LABoratory (The MathWorks,Inc)
• Easy access to matrix computation software
• Scientific computing and Visualization package
• Arrays/matrices are at the heart of MATLAB
• All data are stored as arrays
Ok, but what is MATLAB?
1) Concept of Workspace
2) In-Built functions - commands
3) M-scripts
4) User-defined functions
Workspace
• Workspace initializes on launch
• Front end to MATLAB
• Access MATLAB functions
• Manage variables
Workspace
• Start MATLAB: Type “matlab” at system prompt / click application icon
• On starting MATLAB:
* Matlab command window - your workspace
* Matlab command prompt - interact
Commands
• In built functions• Manage environment, variables, commands,
functions• Manage files, interact with the OS• Perform computations, etc
M-Files or scripts
• Execute a batch of commands in a sequential manner.
• Compartmentalize your commands, organize them into a M-file.
• All variables and results are global ie can be accessed from the workspace.
• Name your m-file (with a .m extension), execute at command prompt by just typing the filename.
Functions• Essentially user defined commands.• Accept inputs from the workspace or another
function/command.• Output to workspace or output becomes input to another
command/function.• Encapsulation of variables.• Only the outputs of a function are global.• A function can call other functions within it, make calls to
itself recursively.• Structures your program, makes it more flexible,
manageable and easy to debug.