Introduction to MATLAB

## Learning Objectives - Understand MATLAB history and applications - Set up MATLAB development environment - Write and run your first MATLAB program - Understand MATLAB syntax basics ## What is MATLAB? MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) is a high-level programming language and interactive environment developed by MathWorks for numerical computing, algorithm development, and data visualization. ```matlab % Your first MATLAB program disp('Hello, World!'); ``` ## MATLAB Platform ### Key Features - **Matrix-Based** - Built-in support for matrix and array operations - **Interactive** - Execute commands line-by-line or run scripts - **Visualization** - Extensive plotting and graphics capabilities - **Toolboxes** - Specialized function libraries for different domains - **Numerical Computing** - Designed for mathematical and engineering computations ### Components | Component | Description | |-----------|-------------| | MATLAB | Interactive development environment | | Editor | Write and debug code | | Command Window | Execute commands directly | | Workspace | Store variables in memory | | Path | Search order for functions | ## Installing MATLAB ### Download Get MATLAB from (requires license) ### Online Alternative MATLAB Online: (browser-based) ### Verify Installation ```matlab ver ``` ## Your First Program ### Using Command Window ```matlab >> disp('Hello, World!') Hello, World! ``` ### Using Script Create a new script file named `hello.m`: ```matlab % hello.m % My first MATLAB program name = 'World'; fprintf('Hello, %s!\n', name); ``` ### Run the Script ```matlab hello ``` ## MATLAB Interface ### Main Window Areas - **Current Folder** - Browse files and folders - **Command Window** - Enter commands directly - **Workspace** - View variables in memory - **Editor** - Write and edit scripts - **Command History** - View previous commands ## Comments ```matlab % Single-line comment %{ Multi-line comment Can span multiple lines %} x = 5; % Inline comment ``` ## Variables ### Creating Variables ```matlab a = 10; % Numeric variable name = 'MATLAB'; % String variable isActive = true; % Logical variable ``` ### Displaying Variables ```matlab x = 42; disp(x); % Display value fprintf('x = %d\n', x); % Formatted output ``` ### Variable Naming Rules - Start with a letter - Can contain letters, numbers, and underscores - Case-sensitive - Cannot use reserved words ```matlab validName = 1; % Valid my_variable = 2; % Valid 2ndPlace = 3; % Invalid (starts with number) end = 5; % Invalid (reserved word) ``` ## Built-in Constants ```matlab pi % 3.1416... exp(1) % e (Euler's number) Inf % Infinity NaN % Not-a-Number eps % Machine epsilon realmin % Smallest positive number realmax % Largest positive number ``` ## Basic Math Operations ```matlab a = 10; b = 3; sum = a + b % Addition: 13 diff = a - b % Subtraction: 7 prod = a * b % Multiplication: 30 quot = a / b % Division: 3.3333 power = a ^ b % Power: 1000 modulus = mod(a,b) % Modulo: 1 ``` ## Command Window Tips ```matlab clc % Clear command window clear % Clear all variables clear x % Clear specific variable who % List variables in workspace whos % List variables with details ``` ## MATLAB Versions ```matlab version % Get MATLAB version ver % List all installed products ``` | Version | Year | Key Features | |---------|------|--------------| | R2023a | 2023 | Live Editor improvements | | R2022b | 2022 | New graphing functions | | R2022a | 2022 | Array formation | | R2021b | 2021 | Enhanced debugging | ## Summary - MATLAB is designed for numerical computing and matrix operations - Interactive environment with command window and workspace - Scripts are saved as `.m` files - Comments start with `%` - Use `disp()` or `fprintf()` for output - Variables are created automatically when assigned - Use `clear` to remove variables and `clc` to clear the screen