Using MATLAB in ME 448/548

Overview and My Approach

This set of notes is designed to help you get started with MATLAB. I have some strong preferences for how I use software tools. You will develop your own preferences. I’m sure that I could improve my approach.

I’ve used MATLAB for a few decades now, and I’ve been writing computer programs for a few decades before I started using MATLAB. Part of my habits are formed by accretion, I’ve just kept doing things that worked for me. However, I’ve also changed course and used new ideas when they presented advantages.

My approach to using MATLAB, and other coding tools involves

Using structure: Organizing projects into directories (folders). Organizing code into reusable modules.
Writing functions. Aggressively, fanatically, avoiding “scripts” that run in the global workspace.
Avoiding global variables, unless absolutely necessary
Experimenting with simple ideas, and adding complexity gradually.

Getting Started

These pages provide a tutorial approach to setting up and using MATLAB for ME 448/548.