Engineering and simulation.
WHAT IT IS
A commercial numerical computing environment and language, built around matrices.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES IT
Matrix operations as the natural way of expressing computation An integrated environment with visualisation and debugging Extensive toolboxes for specific engineering domains Simulation tooling
WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Control systems Signal and image processing Mechanical and electrical engineering Academic teaching Simulation and modelling
WHY IT PERSISTS
The toolboxes are mature and validated, and industries have built on them for decades.
WHAT IT COSTS
Licensing, which is substantial, and per toolbox.
WHAT THE ALTERNATIVES ARE
Python with its numerical and scientific libraries Octave, which is largely compatible Julia, designed for numerical work
WHY PEOPLE MOVE AWAY
Cost, and the desire to use one language for analysis and production.
WHY THEY DO NOT
Existing models, validated toolboxes, and regulatory acceptance in some fields.
WHAT TO BE AWARE OF
Indices starting at one, not zero.
WHO ENCOUNTERS IT
Engineering students and practitioners, largely.
