MATLAB

I love this book. Although MATLAB is beyond version 4, this is a deal as a used book. I have always been able to find the most obscure detail about MATLAB functions in it, and it remains on my bookshelf. My co-workers invariably ask "Can I look at your book?", when I come up with the answer to a problem they are having. The book's strength is the amount of detail given for each function, including examples, what each option does, the algorithms that are used for the function, and also info on which MATLAB function is better to use, if there are several choices. The "see also" entries are extremely useful. If the function doesn't quite meet your needs, I've found following the "see also" entries eventually leads you to what you want. It is the only book I've seen that gives extensive detail on GUIDE functions, which is the GUI-generating portion of MATLAB. If you are a GUI programmer, the GUIDE information here is invaluable. Even though this is a used book, most of the functions haven't changed in the more recent versions of MATLAB. Still has useful information.

The student edition of MATLAB is identical to the commerical version, except that array size is limited. The limit is large enough that any practical problem can be solved.

The book is terse, and does not cover all the capability and commands that MATLAB has. Love the software, had to get additional documentation.

"The Student Edition of Matlab Version 5 User's Guide" bring to us a pratical and easy way apresentation to Matlab. Its language is easy to know. But this book present same fauls for me. It doesn't have exercises for the readers pratice. It show us few examples and repetitives. But they are goods. And, finally, I would like to see more pages about the simulink and blocksets. But in my opinion this book is a good way to you know Matlab and its comands.

I think basically, MATLAB was designed to simulate an automated system. This automated system in a real life could be a device of electric, electronic, or mechanic. For students or someone who just begin to learn to design a system (either electrical or mechanical system; or combination of both), I think MATLAB is suitable. The program does not require a lot of "fancy stuff" that the real-life industry use. By simply using ordinary personal computer (either Mac or IBM system), you are already able to do the work.

Because MATLAB was designed for beginners in system design, MATLAB basically only supplies tools for designing a concept (an abstraction). If you need to build a blue print, I suggest that you use a more specific program.

From a concept designing point of view, I think MATLAB has an adequate tools. As a start, MATLAB has building blocks. These building blocks act as a simulation function. The blocks could appear as an abstract mathematical function or appear as a more applicable function needed in electrical or mechanical engineering system design.

MATLAB also has commands to make a simple program. These commands are usually used to be combined with MATLAB 1D, 2D, or 3D image capabilities. With these three powerfull tools, you pratically could design any system or any object.

If you need to do more complex tasks, you obviously need MATLAB's companion: Simulink. With Simulink, you will have more powerfull building blocks; beyond your imagination as a system design beginner!

Be careful when purchasing the Simulink. You need to have a Simulink version that will work properly with the MATLAB version you already have. You do not want to end up like the previous reviewer.

I was so excited when I bought SE of Matlab5.3 together with a CD and a book for for version 5.0. I started to read the book carefully then I realized this program is nothing without simulink, I urgently bought SE of simulink2.0 from my local bookstore in istanbul. But they are not competable with each other. I either need SE of MATLAB 5.0, or SE of simulink 3.0
I hope you understood why I am frustrated.Many thanks to those who will solve this problem.

This package gives a readable introduction to the basic Matlab language. The value is in the CD-Rom: Version 5). Included are the basic Matlab language (limited to 16000 matrix elements), control and signal analysis extensions, and a large portion of the symbolic extension based on Maple (this provides symbolic algebra and calculus). The on-line documentation has been improved and extended. A large amount of additional Matlab documentation is on the CD including more than 20 additional volumes.

Matlab is easier to use than most computer languages, and many useful functions are included making Matlab an effective way to undertake many calculations, particularly in mathematical, scientific and engineering applications.

Matlab 5 includes cell arrays, data structures and an elementary but usable object oriented extension, making it noticably more powerful than previous versions. As in the previous versions a good range of graphing functions are provided.

Warnings:
Version 5 is not compatible with Simulink 1 ( Simulink 2 is coming Sept 97).
Installer clashes with some extensions (disable extensions during installation).
Upper case letters in file names and class names causes problems (Version 5.0).
Insure you get the Macintosh (or PC version) that includes the disk.

Conclusion:
Requires some elementary programming and then is excellent value for students involves in a wide range of technical applications. Some knowledge of matrices will help get the most from the package. Suitable for upper level high school (years 11 & 12 from start of schooling) to PhD and beyond.