Scripting and Running MATLAB Code

MATLAB's power lies not just in its interactive command window but also in its ability to execute sequences of commands stored in files. These files, known as scripts, allow you to automate tasks, perform complex calculations, and create reproducible workflows. Understanding how to write, save, and run MATLAB scripts is fundamental to efficient engineering and scientific research.

What is a MATLAB Script?

A MATLAB script is a plain text file with a .m extension that contains a series of MATLAB commands. When you run a script, MATLAB executes these commands sequentially, just as if you had typed them one by one into the Command Window. Scripts are invaluable for automating repetitive tasks, organizing complex analyses, and sharing your work with others.

Scripts are `.m` files containing sequential MATLAB commands.

Think of a script as a recipe for MATLAB. You write down the steps (commands) in order, and then you tell MATLAB to follow the recipe. This makes it easy to repeat complex operations without retyping everything.

MATLAB scripts are text files with the .m extension. These files can contain any valid MATLAB command, including arithmetic operations, function calls, variable assignments, control flow statements (like if, for, while), and plotting commands. When a script is executed, MATLAB processes each line in order, updating variables and producing output as defined by the commands within the script. This sequential execution is key to automating workflows and ensuring consistency in analysis.

Creating and Saving Scripts

You can create MATLAB scripts using the built-in MATLAB Editor. The Editor provides syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and debugging tools to help you write and manage your code efficiently. Always save your scripts with a descriptive name and the .m extension.

What is the standard file extension for a MATLAB script?

Running MATLAB Scripts

There are several ways to run a MATLAB script. The most common method is to type the script's name (without the .m extension) into the Command Window, provided the script is in MATLAB's current directory or on its search path. You can also run scripts directly from the Editor using the 'Run' button or by pressing F5.

Ensure your script file is in the current working directory or on the MATLAB path to run it from the Command Window.

Example: A Simple MATLAB Script

Let's create a simple script to calculate the area of a circle and display the result. Save the following code in a file named <code>calculate_circle_area.m</code>:

% This script calculates the area of a circle

radius = 5; % Define the radius
pi_value = pi; % Use MATLAB's built-in pi constant

area = pi_value * radius^2; % Calculate the area

fprintf('The radius is: %.2f\n', radius);
fprintf('The area of the circle is: %.2f\n', area);

This script first defines a variable radius and assigns it a value of 5. It then uses the built-in pi constant. The core calculation area = pi_value * radius^2 computes the area using the formula ( A = \pi r^2 ). Finally, fprintf is used to display the radius and the calculated area in a formatted way in the Command Window. The %.2f format specifier ensures the numbers are displayed with two decimal places.

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To run this script, open the MATLAB Command Window, navigate to the directory where you saved the file, and type: <code>calculate_circle_area</code>. The output will be displayed in the Command Window.

Best Practices for Scripting

<ul><li>Comments: Use the percent sign (<code>%</code>) to add comments to your code. Comments explain what your code does, making it easier for you and others to understand.</li><li>Clear Variables: Start your scripts with <code>clear</code> and <code>clc</code> to ensure a clean workspace and command window before execution.</li><li>Meaningful Names: Use descriptive variable and function names.</li><li>Modularity: Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable scripts or functions.</li></ul>

What command can you use at the beginning of a script to clear all existing variables from the workspace?

clear

Learning Resources

MATLAB Documentation: Scripts(documentation)

Official MathWorks documentation explaining what scripts are, how to create them, and how to run them in MATLAB.

MATLAB Tutorial: Writing Your First Script(blog)

A beginner-friendly guide to writing and running a basic MATLAB script, perfect for getting started.

Introduction to MATLAB Programming - Coursera (Module on Scripts)(video)

A video lecture from a Coursera course that covers the fundamentals of MATLAB scripting.

MATLAB Fundamentals: Scripts and Functions(video)

A YouTube video demonstrating the creation and execution of MATLAB scripts and introducing the concept of functions.

MATLAB Scripting Basics - MATLAB Help(documentation)

A PDF guide from MATLAB Central that provides a concise overview of scripting basics.

MATLAB Scripting for Engineers(video)

A practical video tutorial focusing on how engineers can leverage MATLAB scripting for their projects.

MATLAB Editor Overview(documentation)

Learn about the features of the MATLAB Editor, which is essential for writing and managing scripts.

MATLAB Scripting Best Practices(blog)

A community contribution detailing recommended practices for writing clean and efficient MATLAB scripts.

Running Scripts and Functions in MATLAB(video)

A clear explanation of how to execute scripts and functions within the MATLAB environment.

MATLAB Path Management(documentation)

Understand how MATLAB finds your scripts and functions by learning about the MATLAB path.