MATLAB is a high-level programming language designed for engineers and scientists that expresses matrix and array mathematics directly. You can use MATLAB for everything, from running simple interactive commands to developing large-scale applications.
Get started quickly by executing commands interactively with immediate results.
>> sqrt(42) ans = 6.4807
You can express matrix and array mathematics directly using familiar syntax.
>> A = [7 8 2; 3 2 6; 5 9 4] A = 7 8 2 3 2 6 5 9 4
MATLAB® provides thousands of built-in functions for common mathematical, scientific, and engineering calculations.
>> B = eig(A) B = 14.9016 2.3000 -4.2015
You can choose from a variety of built-in plots to visualize your data. Specialized data types, including numeric, string, datetime, categorical, structures, and tables are available to represent your data. You can perform common tasks using functions that are specifically designed for each data type.
>> stars = readtable('StarTypes.xlsx',TextType = 'String');
>> stars.Class = categorical(stars.Class)
stars =
Class Temp Color Fraction
_____ _____ _____________ ________
O 30000 "Blue" 3e-05
B 10000 "Blue White" 0.0013
A 7500 "White" 0.006
F 6000 "Yellow White" 0.03
G 5200 "Yellow" 0.076
K 3700 "Light Orange" 0.121
M 2400 "Orange Red" 0.7645
With MATLAB, you can develop algorithms much faster than in traditional languages, such as C, C++, or Fortran, without having to declare variables, allocate memory, or compile code.
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You can combine commands to create scripts that enable you to automate your work. Then add high-level programming constructs such as conditional statements and loops. You can run your script as an entire program or divide it into sections that can be run individually. With the Live Editor, you can create a script that is an executable notebook with output and visualizations next to the code that produced them. Use formatted text, headings, equations, images, and hyperlinks to document your work then share it with others.
Combine commands to create a script (left). Use the Live Editor to create an executable notebook (right).
You can use functions to break down a complicated program into smaller, reusable parts. You can automatically refactor code in scripts into reusable functions. Functions can have optional, named arguments to make them easier to use. Function argument validation eliminates the need to write complex input error checking code. You can use language features that enable your functions to manage and recover from errors.
Write functions with multiple inputs and outputs (top). Use function argument validation to make functions more robust (bottom).
Use object-oriented programming to model real-world objects and manage software complexity.
With object-oriented programming, you can define objects that combine data (properties) with functions that operate on that data (methods). You can use objects to model the behavior of devices and systems in the real world and organize code into components that are easier to maintain and extend.
A MATLAB class defines a set of instructions used to build a specific type of object. Classes contain information about:
You can develop and maintain large-scale applications using MATLAB with projects, source control integration, unit testing, continuous integration and deployment, and toolbox packaging. To learn more, see Software Development Tools.
Use MATLAB and Simulink through your web browser.
Connect to MATLAB from your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
