Lab 1

LAB 1
OBJECTIVE: INTRODUCTION TO MATLAB

1. INTRODUCTION:
The name MATLAB stands for Matrix Laboratory. The basic building block of
MATLAB is the matrix. It is not confined to the solution of Matrix related
problems. With its inbuilt functions, it is an excellent tool for linear algebraic
computations, data analysis, signal processing, optimization, numerical solutions
of ordinary differential equations (ODE), quadrature, 2D & 3D, graphics and many
other types of scientific computation. Therefore, we can say:
MATLAB is a software package in high performance language for technical
computing. It integrates computation, visualization and programming in an easy to
use environment
where problems and solutions
are expressed in familiar
mathematical notation. Typical uses include:

Math and computation
Algorithm and development
Data acquisition modeling
Simulation and prototyping
Data analysis, exploration, and visualization
Scientific and engineering graphics
Application development, including graphical user interface building.
2. BASICS:
2.1 MATLAB WINDOWS: There are three basic window which are as
follows:
1. MATLAB DESKTOP: This is the window which appears by
default when MATLAB is launched. It consists of :
COMMAND WINDOW: This is the main window , where

command are written. It is characterized by MATLAB command
prompt (>>). The results also appear on this window(except
figures, which appear on figure window) which command is
written. Commands cannot be edited in this window.
CURRENT DIRECTORY: This appears on the bottom left side
of MATLAB desktop. It is where all files are listed. With a
mouse right click, you can run M-files, rename, delete them etc
after selecting a file from here.
WORKSPACE: This sub-window shows all the variables
generated so far and also shows their type and size.
COMMAND HISTORY: All commands typed on the MATLAB
prompt are recorded here. Also commands can be selected from
here and create as M-file. Thus it remains records of MATLAB
functions run.
2. FIGURE WINDOW:
The output of all the commands written on the command window or
executed by writing in M-file, whose output is a graph , appears on
the window. The user can create as many figure windows as the
system memory allows. A figure window is showing sine curve is
shown in figure.
3. EDITOR WINDOW:
This is where we can write, create, edit and save programs in a file.
The file is known as M-file. To select editor window, go to file and
then select M-file. The programmes written on the file are first
saved and then run to get the results. To save and run the
programme, go to debug and select save and run. The result appear
on the command window. The figure appear on the figure window.
A editor window is shown as in figure:
2.2 LANGUAGES:
MATLAB is a high-level language that includes matrix-based data
structures, its own internal data types, an extensive catalog of functions
and scripts, the ability to import and export to many types of data files,
object-oriented programming capabilities, and interfaces to external
technologies such as COM, Java, program written in C and Fortran, and
serial port devices.
2.3 INPUT-OUTPUT:
MATLAB takes input from the screen and rushes output to the screen
i.e. it supports interactive computation. It can read input files and write
output files.
2.3.1 Data Type: There is no need to declare a data to be real or
complex. When a real number is entered as a variable, MATLAB
automatically sets the variable to be real. Fundamental data type is
the array.
2.3.2 Dimension: Dimension state is not required in the MATLAB. It is
automatic.
2.3.3 Case Sensitivity: It differentiates between lower and upper cases.

It is case sensitive.
2.3.4 Output Display: The output of every command appears on the
screen unless MATLAB is directed otherwise. A semi-colon(;)
suppress the output when used at the end of a command except for
the graphics.
2.4 GETTING STARTED
2.4.1 STARTING MATLAB: On windows platform, start MATLAB
by double clicking the MATLAB shortcut icon on your Windows
desktop.
2.4.2 WRITING COMMAND: When you start MATLAB, the
MATLAB desktop appears containing tools for managing files,
variables, and applications associated with MATLAB. You can start
writing your command at the prompt appears on command Window.
You can also write command in M-file.
2.4.3 PRINTING GRAPHICS: The simplest way to get print out of
the graph is to type print command window after the graph appears in
the figure window. Alternatively activate the figure window and then
select print from the file menu.
2.4.4 QUITTING MATLAB: To end your MATLAB session, select
file >Exit MATLAB in the desktop or type quit in the command
window. You can run a script file named finish.m each time MATLAB
quits that, for example, executes function to save the workplace, or
display a quit confirmation dialog box.
3. ACCESSORIES
3.1 TOOLBOXES: MATLAB features a family of add-on-applicationspecific solutions called toolboxes. Very important to most users of
MATLAB, toolboxes allow you to learn and apply specialized
technology. Toolboxes are comprehensive collections of MATLAB
environment to solve particular classes of problems. Areas in which
toolboxes are available include signal processing, control systems,
neural networks, fuzzy logic, wavelets, simulation, and many others.
There are 78 toolboxes available. Thus we can say MATLAB basically
works as a platform and for solving a particular problem, concerned
toolbox is required. Few of the toolboxes are as follows:
Communication toolbox
Control system toolbox
Curve fitting toolbox
Data acquisition toolbox
Filter design toolbox
Fuzzy logic toolbox
Instrument control toolbox
Optimization toolbox
Statistics toolbox
Symbolic maths toolbox, etc.
3.2 SIMULINK: Simulink is a software package that enables you to
model, simulate, and analyze systems whose outputs change over
time. Such system are often referred to as dynamic systems.
Simulink can be used to explore the behavior of a wide range of
real- world dynamic systems, including electrical circuits, shock
absorbers, braking systems, and many other electrical, mechanical,

and thermodynamic system. This section explains how Simulink
works.
Simulating a dynamic system is a two step process with Simulink.
First, a user creates a block diagram, using a block diagram
Simulink model editor that graphically depicts time dependent
mathematical relationship among the systems inputs, states, and
outputs. The user then commands simulink to simulate the system
represented by the model from a specified start time to a specified
stop time.

Lab 1

Uploaded by

Lab 1

Uploaded by

LAB 1

OBJECTIVE: INTRODUCTION TO MATLAB

where problems and solutions

are expressed in familiar

mathematical notation. Typical uses include:

COMMAND WINDOW: This is the main window , where

2.3.3 Case Sensitivity: It differentiates between lower and upper cases.

absorbers, braking systems, and many other electrical, mechanical,

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