MATLAB By Example guides the reader through each step of writing MATLAB programs. The book assumes no previous programming experience on the part of the reader, and uses multiple examples in clear language to introduce concepts and practical tools. Straightforward and detailed instructions allow beginners to learn and develop their MATLAB skills quickly.
The book consists of ten chapters, discussing in detail the integrated development environment (IDE), scalars, vectors, arrays, adopting structured programming style using functions and recursive functions, control flow, debugging, profiling, and structures. A chapter also describes Symbolic Math Toolbox, teaching readers how to solve algebraic equations, differentiation, integration, differential equations, and Laplace and Fourier transforms. Containing hundreds of examples illustrated using screen shots, hundreds of exercises, and three projects, this book can be used to complement coursework or as a self-study book, and can be used as a textbook in universities, colleges and high schools.
No programming experience necessary to learn MATLAB
Examples with screenshots and plentiful exercises throughout help make MATLAB easy to understand
Projects enable readers to write long MATLAB programs, and take the first step toward being a professional MATLAB programmer
Lesson 1.1 Basics of the Matlab Integrated Development Environment
Lesson 1.2 Matlab Script Files
Lesson 1.3 Matlab EditorâCell Mode
Answers to Selected Exercises
Lesson 1.1 Basics of the Matlab Integrated Development Environment
Objectives
âą To familiarize beginners in Matlab with its programming environment.
âą To learn how to use Matlab to execute simple commands, create variables, and display their values.
Topics
1.1.1 Matlab Integrated Development Environment
1.1.2 Creating Scalar Variables
1.1.3 Creating Vector Variables
1.1.4 Creating Array Variables
1.1.1 Matlab Integrated Development Environment
Matlab version 7.12 (R2011a) is used here to explain the integrated development environment (IDE). Even though this specific version of Matlab has been used here, other Matlab versions can still be used to follow the discussions presented in this book if you do not have this exact version.
First launch Matlab. When MATLAB opens you should see four windows: the Command Window, the Command History, the Workspace, and the Current Folder. If you do not see these windows, you can direct Matlab to display them by going to the MenuâDesktop and then click the window you would like to display, so that it has a tick
next to it. For example, if you would like to display the Command Window, go to MenuâDesktop and then click the Command Window.
In addition to your ability to display the required windows, you can arrange them in any way you prefer. This can be achieved by clicking the title bar of any window, dragging it, and placing it in the required location within the Matlab main window.
âĄExercise 11
Display the four windows and arrange them as shown. Remember, the four windows are the Command Window, the Command History, the Workspace, and the Current Folder.
âĄThe superscript after the exercise number denotes the exercise difficulty level: 1 being basic, 2 intermediate, and 3 being an advanced task.
The Command Prompt â>>â is displayed in the Command Window. When the Command Window is active, a blinking cursor appears to the right of the prompt. The cursor and the prompt signify that Matlab is ready to perform a computational operation.
The Workspace lists all the variables that you have created so far and their values. Other information is also displayed here, such as the maximum and minimum values of any variables that are created.
The Command History records all of the commands that you have previously typed at the Command Prompt. You can select one of these commands using the mouse and execute it in the Command Window by double-clicking it from within the Command History window.
Current Folder: You can direct Matlab to set up a folder of your choice to be a current folder. This will then be your working folder, where you can save yo...
