MATLAB is an interactive, matrix-based system for scientific and engineering calculations. You can solve complex numerical problems without actually writing a program.
MATLAB is an outgrowth of the LINPACK and EISPACK projects, and has been evolving for a number of years to the current system. The name MATLAB is an abbreviation for MATrix LABoratory.
You should liberally use the online help facility for more detailed information. After entering MATLAB as described in "Accessing MatLab", the command
help
at the MATLAB >> prompt, will display a list of functions for which on-line help is available; the command
help functionname
will give information about a specific function functionname, which refers to any of those functions listed with help. For example, the command
help eig
will give information about the eigenvalue function eig.
There are three other commands you may enter at the >> prompt when you first start up MATLAB: DEMO, INFO and TERMINAL. Each of these commands is briefly described below.
DEMO Opens a list of twelve available MATLAB demos which illustrate
such functions as convolution theorems, 3D mesh surfaces, and
nonlinear numerical analysis.
INFO Provides an address as well as E-mail and FAX information for
users who wish to subscribe to available MATLAB newsgroup
digests and newsletters.
TERMINAL Provides a list of available graphics terminal types. Type
C to exit from this list and return to the >> prompt.
The scope and power of MATLAB go far beyond the information presented here. For more information on MATLAB, refer to the MATLAB User's Guide, copies of which are available for review at locations such as the VCC and CII consulting desks, campus terminal rooms and computing labs, and the reserve desk of the Folsom library.
Click on an item listed below to access additional MATLAB-related hints.
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Please send comments and suggestions to
consult@rpi.edu