MATLAB Introduction

MATLAB Overview

• MATLAB stands for MATrix LABoratory
• Originally developed to provide easy access to matrix software from LINPACK and EISPACK projects

MATLAB Features

• High-performance language for technical computing
• Integrates computation, visualization, and programming environment
• Sophisticated data structures
• Built-in editing and debugging tools
• Supports object-oriented programming

Advantages of MATLAB

• Excellent tool for teaching and research
• Advantages over conventional computer languages (e.g., C, FORTRAN) for solving technical problems
• Interactive system with basic data element as an array, no dimension requirement

Process Overview

• Development stages: System Conception, Analysis, Domain Analysis, System Design, Class Design, Implementation, Testing, Training, and Maintenance
• Development life cycle: Waterfall Development and Iterative Development

System Conception

• Conceive an application and formulate tentative requirements
• Devising a system concept: New functionality, Streamlining, Simplification, Automation, Integration, Analogies, and Globalization
• Elaborating a concept:
  • Who is the application for? (Stakeholders)
  • What problems will it solve? (Features)
  • Where will it be used? (Compliment the existing base, locally, distributed, customer base)
  • When is it needed? (Feasible time, required time)
  • Why is it needed? (Business case)
  • How will it work? (Brainstorm the feasibility of the problem)

Domain Analysis

• Overview of analysis: Understanding the requirements by constructing models
• Domain class model: Focuses on real-world things whose semantics the application captures
• Domain state model: Focuses on the computer aspects of the application that are visible to users
• Domain interaction model: Iterating the analysis

Development Stages

• Analysis: Deeply understand the requirements by constructing models
• System design: Devise the architecture and high-level strategy for solving the application problem
• Class design: Determine the algorithms for realizing the operations
• Implementation: Translate the design into programming code and database structures
• Testing: Ensure that the application is suitable for actual use and satisfies requirements
• Training: Help users master the new application
• Maintenance: Preserve the long-term viability of the application

Waterfall Development

• Requirements are very well known
• Product definition is stable
• Technology is understood
• New version of an existing product
• Phases: Requirement Gathering, Requirement Analysis, Design, Coding, Testing, Release, and Maintenance
• Advantages:
  • Easy to implement
  • Helps to find errors earlier
  • Easy to understand and use
  • Works well when quality is more important than cost or schedule
  • Documentation is produced at every stage
• Disadvantages:
  • Only suitable for small-size projects
  • Constant testing of the design is needed
  • Requirements may change
  • Difficult to estimate time and cost for each stage
  • Adjusting scope during the life cycle can kill a project
  • High amount of risk and uncertainty
  • Not suitable for handling dynamic changes in requirements

Iterative Development

• Develope the nucleus of a system, then grow the scope of the system
• Multiple iterations as the system evolves to the final deliverable
• Each iteration includes: analysis, design, implementation, and testing

The ATM Case Study

• Develop software for customers to access a bank's computers and carry out financial transactions without the mediation of a bank employee
• Application is for: Vendor building the software
• Problems it will solve: Serve both bank and user
• Where it will be used: Locations throughout the world
• When it is needed: Revenue
• Why it is needed: Economic incentive
• How it will work: N-tier architecture, 3-tier architecture