Matlab Programming : Introduction

What is MATLAB stands for?

MATLAB stands for MATRIX laboratory which is a fourth-generation high-level programming language , MATLAB is a proprietary programming language developed by MathWorks.it is also known as technical programming language and actually it started with matrix manipulation (different matrix operations).As the time passes it is upgraded to solve technical problems ,Its first version was developed in 1984 as MATLAB version 1 after that its upgraded almost every year. MATLAB provides interactive environment for numerical computation, visualization and programming.

MATLAB can be interfaced with various hardware like Arduino,TMS320C6713(it is a processor).It basically allows matrix manipulations; plotting of functions and data; implementation of algorithms; creation of user interfaces; interfacing with programs written in other languages, including C, C++, Java, and FORTRAN; analyze data; develop algorithms; and create models and applications.It has numerous built-in commands and math functions that help you in mathematical calculations, generating plots, and performing numerical methods.

Prerequisites

We assume you have a little knowledge of any computer programming and understand concepts like variables, constants, expression, statements, etc. If you have done programming in any other high-level programming language like C, C++ or Java, then it will be very much beneficial and learning MATLAB will be like a fun for you.

Advantages of MATLAB

1.   Easy to use (It is very easy to use ,it provides user friendly environment).



2.   Platform independent (It can be used in any operating system).



3.   Predefined functions (that means once you have created any functions on it, we can call them any time in future, and we can also use functions which is already created by other user).



4.   Device independent plotting( what it means is that plot we get will be same in other devices too).



5.   Graphical user interface.

Disadvantages of MATLAB

1.   Slow speed :- interpreted language rather than compiled one.(As in C language we have to write full program for the execution, while in MATLAB execution will be line by line so the process can take time ) Solution-( by properly structuring the MATLAB program).



2.   Cost effective for business .

MATLAB's Power of Computational Mathematics

1.   Dealing with matrices and arrays



2.   2-D and 3-D Plotting and graphics



3.   Linear Algebra



4.   Algebraic Equations



5.   Statistics



6.   Data Analysis



7.   Non-linear Functions



8.   Calculus and Differential Equations



9.   Numerical Calculations



10.   Integration



11.   Transforms



12.   Curve Fitting

Uses of MATLAB

MATLAB is widely used as a computational tool in engineering encompassing the fields of all engineering streams. It is used in a range of applications including –

1.   Electrical power system designing and analysis.



2.   Signal Processing and Communications.



3.   Image and Video Processing.



4.   Control Systems.



5.   Test and Measurement.



6.   Computational Finance.



7.   Computational Biology.

Some of the most interesting applications of MATLAB

1.   Running millions of simulations to pinpoint optimal dosing for antibiotics.



2.   Building energy consumption model for smart power grids.



3.   Analyzing weather data to visualize the track and intensity of hurricanes.

What kind of jobs can you get after you learn MATLAB?

If you are studying B.E. or B.Tech in any field - right from IT or CS to Electronics to Mechanical or Aerospace engineering, electrical engineering MATLAB can give you a headstart in careers related to:

1.   Modelling and Simulation.



2.   Algorithm Development.



3.   Scientific Graphics.



4.   Data Analysis and Exploration.