What Is MATLAB? Overview and FAQ

MATLAB makes solving technical computing problems easier and more efficient. Many industries and professions benefit from implementing MATLAB to complete tasks ranging from algorithm development to data visualization and application development. In the following article, you'll learn what MATLAB is, key use cases, and how to get started.

What is MATLAB?

MATLAB is short for “matrix laboratory.” It is a high-level programming language and platform that works with matrices and arrays rather than individual numbers. Designed for scientists and engineers, MATLAB is often used in textbooks as an instructional tool for college-level mathematics, science, and engineering. It allows for the most direct and natural expression of matrix and array mathematics. 

What is MATLAB used for?

The MATLAB programming platform is used to design, develop, and analyze systems and products. Originally, it was created for accessing software developed by the LINPACK and EISPACK projects. The MATLAB we know today has numerous use cases thanks to many contributions from users over the years. Examples include:

• Data analysis

• Large-scale computations

• Algorithm development

• Application development 

• Embedded system development

• Control systems engineering

• Deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) applications

• Creation of deep learning models

What language is MATLAB?

MATLAB was written in C, C++, and Java. Although the term MATLAB is used to refer to the entire interactive programming environment, it’s also a language itself. 

MATLAB components

The standard features of MATLAB include its programming language, graphic system, computational library, application program interface (API), and work environment:

1. Language.

MATLAB is an interpreted language that can be used to create applications of varying sizes and complexities. It’s also multi-paradigm, meaning you can use it for functional, imperative, procedural, or object-oriented programming. Notable features of the MATLAB language include data visualization, rapid numeric calculations and analyses, and built-in tools for editing and debugging software.

2. Environment.

The MATLAB working environment is an interactive platform comprising various tools for statistical calculations and writing, running, and plotting code. The interface includes the following features: a command window for typing single or multiple lines; a script editor for accessing existing or creating new files; an address bar; a dedicated workspace window; and a folder tree. MATLAB’s API also supports integration with other programming languages, including Java, C, and Perl.

3. Function Library.

MATLAB has a large library of computational algorithms. It contains elementary mathematical functions such as sin, cos, and tan, and more complex expressions such as matrix eigenvalues. 

4. Handle graphics.

Handle Graphics is a MATLAB concept and methodology. Nearly all plotting functions will return a handle to the graphics object. Users can use these handles to access, view, and modify all the object’s properties. The graphic system in MATLAB enables you to create customizable two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualizations.

5. Application Programming Interface (API).

MATLAB includes an API to support external programs and interfaces despite being a self-contained environment. Its supported functions include data importation and exportation (to and from the MATLAB environment), facilitation of client/server relationships with external programs, and calling Fortran or C programs from MATLAB. 

Is MATLAB easy to learn?

MATLAB is beginner-friendly and typically isn’t too difficult to learn. As mentioned, MATLAB is a high-level language so the syntax is fairly straightforward and uses language very similar to standard English. For context, Python is another example of a high-level programming language and is widely considered a great option for those new to programming. The overall interface of MATLAB is also user-friendly, with features that allow you to complete work quicker than you would using alternative methods.

Who uses MATLAB?

MATLAB was designed with engineers and scientists in mind. Research scientists, data scientists, data analysts, and machine learning professionals all benefit from having MATLAB as part of their repertoire. Along with the range of careers, MATLAB is making an impact across many industries. The industries most regularly utilizing MATLAB include information technology, academia, energy, financial services, and automotive. However, MATLAB's impact reaches even further and is also seen in pharmaceutics, control systems, and biology, amongst others. 

These professions exist in a wide variety of industries. To better understand who uses MATLAB, check out the following chart. On the left, you’ll find industries or fields of study commonly using MATLAB. On the right, you’ll find examples of corresponding job titles.

How to learn MATLAB

You have many options when choosing how to learn MATLAB, whether it be part of your studies while earning a degree or utilizing different resources you can find online. If you choose to earn a degree in an area such as engineering, mathematics, or sciences, your coursework will likely include MATLAB. You can also use books from MathWorks to help you learn more about a wide range of MATLAB subjects and the role MATLAB can play within different industries, including chemistry, data science, physics, image processing, robotics, control systems, neural networks, and much more.

You can get started on your own by accessing MATLAB through the organization you work for or the university you attend if you’re a student, faculty member, or researcher. MATLAB is a licensed product, so you’ll have to pay to use it in most cases. If you want to try running some basic MATLAB code or get a feel for the environment without spending money, consider using the basic version of MATLAB Online. 

Another feature for helping to grow your skills in MATLAB is MATLAB Central. MATLAB Central is an online community where you can have open discussions with other users, read blogs, and exchange files. Depending on what you use MATLAB for, you can find a MATLAB Central community relevant to your work. For example, you can explore communities revolving around distance learning and how you can use MATLAB for remote learning or GitHub communities where you have the opportunity to find functioning code that could be useful to your projects.

MATLAB courses

Those who want professional training or guided learning may enroll in an online course or specialization. Below are a few recommendations and resources for learners who wish to try self-instruction. 

• Introduction to Programming with MATLAB. This beginner-level online course can be completed in just 35 hours. It takes you through the basics of handling different data types in MATLAB and covers fundamental programming concepts like control structures and functions. By the end, you’ll earn a career certificate to share on LinkedIn or add to your resume. 

• Exploratory Data Analysis with MATLAB. In this beginner-level online course that takes about 19 hours, you’ll practice creating customized data visualizations, extracting subsets of data, and using interactive tools to analyze it. You can earn a career certificate for completing this course. 

• Predictive Modeling and Machine Learning with MATLAB. This 22-hour online course is best suited for intermediate learners. You’ll use applications to train machine learning models and apply the entirety of a machine learning workflow, from data cleaning to model evaluation. 

MATLAB Resources

MATLAB Central. You can read blogs and exchange code with this extensive online MATLAB code repository. 

MathWorks videos and webinars. With over 6,000 options, you’ll be able to find many of the answers you’re looking for using this extensive MATLAB video library. 

MATLAB documentation. You can find release notes, installation help, books, and more in MATLAB’s online documentation. 

MATLAB pros and cons

Using MATLAB will provide you with a multitude of benefits; however, some challenges exist as well. Here’s a look at MATLAB’s pros and cons.

Pros

• MATLAB enables you to create both two and three-dimensional graphics.

• MATLAB is beginner-friendly, so you can learn it even if you’re new to programming.

• Algorithm development is faster in MATLAB in comparison to many other common programming languages.

• MATLAB’s environment offers several tools and specialized libraries for code generation and building applications.

• MATLAB interfaces with other programming languages, including Python, C#, Java, and C++.

Limitations

• In MATLAB, multiple functions cannot be created in a single file, so you must create separate files for each function.

• Many of the commands in MATLAB are MATLAB-specific, so your programming experience in other languages will not directly translate.

• MATLAB use typically isn’t free. To use MATLAB for your business or personal use, you or your organization must pay for MATLAB licensing. However, with limited storage and product access, you can access MATLAB for twenty hours per month cost-free with the basic version MATLAB Online.

Learn MATLAB on Coursera today

You can start building your MATLAB skill set today by enrolling in a beginner-friendly online specialization like Practical Data Science with MATLAB. Covered course content includes creating machine learning models, calculating statistics within your data groups, and learning to create interactive documents to share your reports with others.