Matlab FAQ

• How do I get started with Matlab?
• How do I change my working directory within Matlab?
• I just cannot remember how some functions work, how can I get the correct syntax?
• How can I get help for a specific Matlab question that no one can answer?

How do I get started with Matlab?

Open Matlab program and type in "intro" after the > prompt.

How do I change my working directory within Matlab?

In Matlab program, go to the Current Directory bar, from there you can modify your directory to any one you want.

I just cannot remember how some functions work, how can I get the correct syntax?

The best thing is always to check the guide Using Matlab and the Matlab References (both available online). Alternatively, enter the Matlab program and type in "help functionname" after the > prompt.

How can I get help for a specific Matlab question that no one can answer?

First, ask your Statlab consultant. Also check Mathworks's homepage and do a search (http://www.mathworks.com/support) . Many answers are already there and you may post a question for some expert to answer.

Helpful Links

• Mathworks' Getting Started
• Matlab Central
• Kermit Sigmon's Matlab Primer,
• Nam Sun Wang's Matlab Tutorial,
• Mark S. Gockenbach's A Practical Introduction to Matlab ,
• Department of Mathematics, University of Utah's Matlab Tutorial
• Paul L. Fackler's A MATLAB Primer and
• Yale's Matlab Basics

Some tutorials are a bit old but still very helpful. Almost all of Matlab and its toolboxes' documentation are available free of charge at the website of Mathworks.

©2007 Yale University Social Science Statistical Laboratory Certifying Authority: Themba Flowers lm: Wed Apr 09 15:45:20 EDT 2003