MATLAB: An Introduction with Applications
Designed for the newest version of the popular MATLAB software program, MATLAB: An Introduction with Applications, 3/e requires no previous knowledge of computer programming. The first chapter describes basic features of the program and shows how to use it in simple arithmetic operations with scalars. The next two chapters focus on the topic of arrays (the basis of MATLAB), while the remaining text covers a wide range of other applications. Computer screens, tutorials, samples, and homework questions in math, science, and engineering, provide the student with the practical hands-on experience needed for total proficiency.
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you need a clear, example-driven introduction to MATLAB so you can quickly prototype, visualize, and test signal-processing ideas. It teaches core MATLAB concepts and workflows used every day in DSP work—arrays, plotting, scripting, and numerical routines—using engineering and scientific examples.
Who Will Benefit
Beginners and students in engineering, DSP, and related fields who want a practical, hands-on introduction to MATLAB for prototyping and data analysis.
Level: Beginner — Prerequisites: Basic algebra and familiarity with high-school-level math; no prior programming experience required.
Key Takeaways
- Use the MATLAB environment: navigate the desktop, command window, and help system.
- Manipulate arrays and matrices efficiently as the primary data structure for numerical computing.
- Write scripts and functions, and apply control flow and vectorized operations for concise code.
- Create plots and visualizations to explore, present, and debug signals and data.
- Apply basic numerical methods (linear algebra, interpolation, root-finding, numerical integration, ODE solvers) to engineering problems.
- Import/export data and organize workflows for reproducible analysis and simple applications.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to MATLAB and the Desktop Environment
- Vectors, Matrices, and Array Indexing
- Matrix Operations and Linear Algebra
- Scripts, Functions, and Program Structure
- Graphics and Data Visualization
- Polynomials, Curve Fitting, and Interpolation
- Numerical Methods: Root Finding and Optimization
- Numerical Integration and Differential Equations
- Data Analysis and Basic Statistics
- Applications in Engineering and Science (examples and exercises)
- File Input/Output and Data Import
- Advanced Topics: Debugging, GUIs, and Simple Toolboxes
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Similar in scope to Stormy Attaway's "MATLAB: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving" but Gilat is slightly more concise with engineering-focused examples; less specialized than signal-processing textbooks like Oppenheim & Schafer.
