MATLAB is a powerful language for technical computing. The name MATLAB
stands for MATrix LABoratory, because its basic data element is a matrix (array).
MATLAB can be used for math computations, modeling and simulations, data
analysis and processing, visualization and graphics, and algorithm development.
MATLAB is widely used in universities and colleges in introductory and
advanced courses in mathematics, science, and especially engineering. In industry
the software is used in research, development, and design. The standard
MATLAB program has tools (functions) that can be used to solve common
problems. In addition, MATLAB has optional toolboxes that are collections of
specialized programs designed to solve specific types of problems. Examples
include toolboxes for signal processing, symbolic calculations, and control
systems.
Until recently, most of the users of MATLAB have been people with
previous knowledge of programming languages such as FORTRAN and C who
switched to MATLAB as the software became popular. Consequently, the
majority of the literature that has been written about MATLAB assumes that the
reader has knowledge of computer programming. Books about MATLAB often
address advanced topics or applications that are specialized to a particular field.
Today, however, MATLAB is being introduced to college students as the first (and
often the only) computer program they will learn. For these students there is a
need for a book that teaches MATLAB assuming no prior experience in computer
programming.