In Math-Graphics Programming platform, Matlab is extensively used. It is short for Matrix Laboratory, and is proprietary multi-paradigm language and numeric computing platform preferred by engineers and scientists to analyze data, develop algorithms and create models and applications.
The platform plots functions and data and allows implementation of algorithms and creation of user interfaces and interfacing with programmes written in other languages.
Matlab combines a desktop environment tuned for iterative analysis and design processes with a programming language that expresses matrix and array mathematics directly. At the heart of Matlab is the Matlab language , a matrix-based language, allowing the most natural expression of computational mathematics.
Matlab apps let you see how different algorithms work with your data. Iterate until you get your results and then automatically generate Matlab programme to reproduce or automate your work. Scale your analysis to run clusters, GPUs, and clouds with minor code changes. There is no need to rewrite the code or learn big data programming and out-of-memory techniques.
Matlab tool boxes are professionally developed, rigorously tested and fully documented.
It includes Live Editor for creating scripts that combine code, output and formatted text in an executable notebook.
Matlab is deployed to enterprise apps. It is run on embedded devices. These automatically convert Matlab algorithms to C/ C++, HDL and Cuda code to run the embedded processor and business systems. It integrates with model-based design. It works with Simulink to support model-based design which is used for multi-domain simulation, automatic code and test and verification of embedded systems. Model-based design tools like Matlab and Simulink provide a mathematical and visual approach to develop complex control systems. In an everchanging environment where deadlines are short, there is a quick adaptation. And hardware need not validate.
Matlab has capabilities of data analysis, graphics, programming, app building, external language interfaces, connecting to hardware, parallel computing, web and desktop deployment. Matlab can be run in cloud environments.
Matlab is not good at some algorithms, say bioinformatics. Python, a high level language, more user friendly, more portable and readable can be used.
To use Matlab, it is not necessary to have programming experience. You can express matrix and array mathematics using familiar syntax. There are thousands of built-in functions for common mathematical, scientific and engineering calculations. Once the Matlab syntax is grasped, then learning to use specific tool should be easy. There are easy-to-use, pre-defined functions and libraries.
Matlab and Simulink are extensively used in the automobile and aeronautical industries. It is commonly used in the embedded system of the cars. Math Works is the company that develops and sells Matlab and Simulink.
Simulink in a Matlab-based platform used to model and simulate physical systems. To illustrate, aerodynamic drag on a component of a plane.
Tesla uses Matlab models to understand battery energy flows. The car hardware is adapted to increase the efficiency and range.
Bosch uses it for accelerating embedded controller development and calibration.
Exhaust gas and air system are managed by inputs of temperature and pressure. Sensors are placed on exhaust and intake and other places. However, it makes it costlier. Model-based approach is good. And that is why Simulink is used.
C/C++ simulations show superior performance. Matlab Engine APIs are available for C/C++, Fortran and Java.
GNV Octave is the best Matlab alternative. Scilab is open source. It is similar to implementation of Matlab.