MATLAB Tutorials: Critical Tools for Beginners and Advanced Users

Key takeaways

MATLAB tutorials and courses are available directly through MATLAB and in partnership with MathWorks to help users explore numeric and graphical computing capabilities.

• MATLAB tutorials include introductory programs called MATLAB Onramp that take one to two and a half hours to complete and cover 24 different topics to help you learn the basics of working with the platform.

• The platform contains a high-level programming language, a graphical system for data visualizations, and a library of mathematical functions ranging from basic to highly specialized applications.

• You can start exploring the platform's capabilities with self-paced modules that focus on learning by doing to build foundational skills in areas such as machine learning, simulation, and app building.

Discover more about what you can do with MATLAB, who uses it, and your options for tutorials and courses. Hone your data science skills using MATLAB by enrolling in the Introduction to Programming with MATLAB from Vanderbilt University.

What is MATLAB?

MATLAB is sometimes called a programming language, a data analysis platform, or a graphics and visualization system, but the truth is that MATLAB is all of these things and more. MATLAB is a numerical and graphical computing platform with many tools, libraries, and resources to help you perform scientific and engineering-related applications.

The components of MATLAB include: 

• MATLAB programming language: A high-level language you can use for rapid prototyping and organization, as well as to create complex applications. 

• Working environment: MATLAB includes a programming environment that you can run on your desktop to access its tools and resources easily. 

• Graphical system: You can use built-in libraries to create graphics and data visualizations. You can also use MATLAB’s Simulink to create simulations of complex systems. 

• Math functions library: MATLAB includes a library of mathematical functions from basic to highly specialized applications. 

• MATLAB API: You can use the MATLAB API to integrate third-party apps and data into your MATLAB workspace. 

What is MATLAB used for?

MATLAB's suite of tools and resources translates into many different real-world applications. You can use MATLAB in industries like: 

• Aerospace and Defense: Use MATLAB to create and test systems for spacecraft, radar, and telecommunication systems, and conduct systems engineering that complies with aviation certifications. 

• Biotechnology: MATLAB can be used for biotech research, such as modeling and developing new drugs or optimizing pharmaceutical company production through process engineering. 

• Electronics: You can use the MATLAB workstation to simulate and test electrical systems while developing electrical devices. 

• Industrial automation: Using MATLAB to simulate real-world scenarios using physics-based modeling tools, you can create a digital twin of your machinery. 

• Medical devices: MATLAB can help you prototype and test devices like hearing aids, medical imaging, surgical devices, and more. 

• Finance: Use MATLAB to create AI models that help you understand real-time and historical financial data to gauge risk, manage investments, and streamline disparate data sources. 

Who uses MATLAB?

MATLAB’s suite of resources is helpful to many different industries, meaning you have many options if you want to start a career using MATLAB. A few career choices to consider include computer vision engineer, mechanical engineer, and systems analyst. 

1. Computer vision engineer: Computer vision engineers use artificial intelligence to build computer models and systems that interpret visual data, such as enhancing or analyzing images, moderating content, recognizing faces and objects, or working on projects such as self-driving vehicles. 

Average annual salary in the US: $115,354 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 26 percent [2]

2. Mechanical engineer: Professionals in this role design, build, and test mechanical systems like batteries, medical devices, engines, air conditioner systems, elevators, and much more.

Average annual salary in the US: $99,203 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent [4]

3. Systems analyst: Systems analysts determine the best hardware or software solutions for a company to achieve its goals. This role uses MATLAB to model and validate these plans before implementation.

Average annual salary in the US: $97,873 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent [6]

MATLAB tutorials

To learn more about using the tools and resources available in MATLAB, you can explore resources from the MATLAB Academy directly or explore longer courses on advanced topics. First, examine a sample of the topics you can begin with MATLAB Onramp courses, then discover targeted programs to help you learn practical MATLAB skills. 

MATLAB Onramp

MATLAB offers both courses and introductory tutorials called MATLAB Onramp. MATLAB Onramp is a series of introductory tutorials designed to build foundational skills in just one to two and a half hours. These modules are self-paced and focus on "learning by doing."

Each Onramp program takes about one to two and a half hours to complete and can help you learn the basics of working with MATLAB. You can choose from 24 different topics, including:

Core Foundations

• MATLAB Onramp: A high-level overview of essential workflows and environment features.

• Simulink Onramp: An introduction to simulating models within a graphical environment.

• Object-Oriented Programming Onramp: Foundations for using class-based structures to organize code.

AI and Data Science

• Machine Learning Onramp: Practical steps for performing classification tasks.

• Reinforcement Learning Onramp: How to develop AI models that learn through environmental interaction.

• Optimization Onramp: Techniques for finding the most efficient solutions to complex variables.

Physical Modeling and Robotics

• Multibody Simulation Onramp: Learn to model 3D mechanical systems, such as robotic arms.

• Power Electronics Simulation Onramp: How to simulate power electronics using the Simscape library.

• Stateflow Onramp: Developing complex logic systems for reactive hardware.

App Development and Communication

• App Building Onramp: A guide to creating custom user interfaces with the MATLAB App Designer.

• Wireless Communications Onramp: Foundations for simulating signal transmission and binary data digits.

Continue learning about MATLAB

If you want access tools for cloud computing, model-based design, real-time simulation, parallel computing, and more, look at these free resources:

• Read an interview: 6 Questions with an IBM Data Scientist and AI Engineer

• Use our glossary: Data Science Terminology & Definitions

• Subscribe to our newsletter: Career Chat

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