MATLAB Basics

MATLAB, an interactive, matrix-based system for scientific and engineering calculations, is available for use on the Rensselaer Computing System (RCS).

Starting MATLAB

You can start a MATLAB session by clicking once with the left mouse button on the Matlab entry in the RCS Applications menu, or by typing the following command from a UNIX prompt:

        matlab

MATLAB will start up in a few moments; a "header" page providing version and copyright information will appear.

Exiting MATLAB

To exit MATLAB, type the following command at the double chevron ( >> ) prompt:

 
        quit
 

at the >> prompt.

Additional MATLAB Documentation

Refer to the Matlab manuals located in the consulting areas in VCC 209 and CII 3111, and the Folsom Library, for more information.

Other Matlab Hints

Click on an item listed below to access additional MATLAB-related hints.

• A General Introduction to MATLAB
• Algorithm Efficiency Comparisons
• The Basics of MATLAB
• MATLAB Command Summary
• FOR, WHILE, and IF Loops
• Formatting Your MATLAB Output
• Generating MATLAB Graphics
• Matrix-Building Functions
• Entering Matrices in MATLAB
• Matrix Operating Functions
• Matrix Operations
• A Brief Explanation of M-Files
• Managing M-Files
• Printing a Hardcopy of Your MATLAB Session
• MATLAB Scalar Functions
• MATLAB Statements, Expressions and Variables
• Submatrices and Colon Notation
• Vector Functions

Return to ACS home page.

Please send comments and suggestions to