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I have used MATLAB while working on Operational Risk models. With the Statistical and Optimization Toolboxes we could fit distribution functions in both the standard way (Maximum Likelihood) and by minimizing a more generalized goodness-of-fit function. Alternatives could be documented by producing tables or graphs. Series of reports and graphs were 'published' directly in a Microsoft Word document but also html, tex or pdf formats can be used.
MATLAB offers an interactive environment for numerical tasks. Computing statements that are entered can be executed immediately without a separate compiling step. Proprietary applications can be build using an extensive library of subroutines. The subroutines come from areas such as linear algebra, statistics, optimization, numerical integration and visualization. Additionally toolboxes containing sets of functions for specific fields can be acquired.
The MATLAB environment is very pleasant to work with. Especially tools such as the debugger (viewing and modifying variables while running an application) and the profiler (that makes you aware of lines of code that are often used or take a lot of time to run) are very handy in the development of larger applications. Also the documentation is very good.
GNU Octave (freely redistributable software) uses a language that is very much compatible with that of MATLAB but the command line interface is much less attractive.
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The website of the provider of MATLAB: The MathWorks. In the support section of the site you will find the documentation of all of their products. The next link takes you directly to the MATLAB section. |
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The support site for MATLAB. As said before, the online help of MATLAB is an excellent reference, but here you will find additional material as manuals (also in pdf format) about object oriented or graphical programming in MATLAB. Also links to 'recorded Webinars' can be found here: videos of talks/demonstrations that clarify aspects of working with MATLAB. |
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MATLAB Central. A forum with contributions by 'The MathWorks' and MATLAB users. The most interesting part is the 'File Exchange': often MATLAB implementations of algorithms by users can be found here. It also contains a 'Newsgroup' where you can ask your MATLAB questions. And also there is a Blogs section by 'The MathWorks' staff members: sometimes they address things that will later be included in MATLAB. |
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The website of the GNU Octave initiative that offers a language that is very compatible with that of Matlab. |