MATLAB part I (syntax, data types & operations)

• Introduction to MATLAB
  • Why use MATLAB?
  • MATLAB interface
  • Syntax
  • Data types

• widely used in psychology, neuroscience & engineering
• large array of toolboxes for advanced analyses (i.e. signal processing)
• computationally efficient
• relatively easy to learn

But remember... MATLAB is not free or open-source, and it is not a general-purpose programming language.

• Current Folder: shows the contents of working directory
• Command Window: enter commands and see output here
• Workspace: shows variables you have created
• Editor: viewer for scripts and function files
• Toolbars: most useful will be Home and Editor

Before we get started working in MATLAB, let's review a few basic differences from R:

• in MATLAB, we always assign variables with the = operator
• in MATLAB, we clear the workspace with clear all
• in MATLAB, when we move directories in the interface, our working directory updates accordingly

There are other syntax differences that we will review as we go through basic operations and expression. Go ahead and open MATLAB, then open a new script by going to New --> Script, and copy over the text from the script for this lesson.

Topic: MATLAB part II (loops, scripts & functions)

In case you want extra practice, you might check out these notes from an online MATLAB course.