MATLAB Compiler overview

Introduction

MATLAB Compiler lets you turn your MATLAB code into standalone applications or shared libraries. This helps you share your work with others who don't have MATLAB.

You want to share your MATLAB program with friends who don't have MATLAB installed.

You need to create a standalone app from your MATLAB code for easy use.

You want to integrate MATLAB functions into other programming languages or environments.

You want to protect your MATLAB source code by distributing compiled files.

You need to deploy MATLAB algorithms on computers without MATLAB.

Syntax

MATLAB

mcc -m your_script.m

mcc is the MATLAB Compiler command line tool.

-m tells the compiler to create a standalone application.

Examples

Compile myApp.m into a standalone executable application.

MATLAB

mcc -m myApp.m

Create a shared library named myLib from myFunction.m to use in other programs.

MATLAB

mcc -W lib:myLib -T link:lib myFunction.m

Compile myScript.m into an executable and put the files in outputFolder.

MATLAB

mcc -m -d outputFolder myScript.m

Sample Program

This script prints a greeting message. You can compile it with MATLAB Compiler to make a standalone app.

MATLAB

% Simple MATLAB script
fprintf('Hello from MATLAB!\n');

Important Notes

You need MATLAB Compiler installed; it is a separate product from MATLAB itself.

Compiled apps require the MATLAB Runtime, which is free to distribute.

Not all MATLAB features are supported for compilation; check the documentation for compatibility.

Summary

MATLAB Compiler turns MATLAB code into standalone apps or libraries.

It helps share MATLAB programs without needing MATLAB installed.

Compiled programs run using the free MATLAB Runtime environment.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of the MATLAB Compiler?

easy

A. To create standalone applications from MATLAB code

B. To edit MATLAB scripts interactively

C. To debug MATLAB code line by line

D. To convert MATLAB code into Python code

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand MATLAB Compiler's function

   MATLAB Compiler is designed to package MATLAB programs into standalone apps or libraries.

2. Step 2: Compare options with this function

   Only To create standalone applications from MATLAB code describes creating standalone applications, which matches the compiler's purpose.

3. Final Answer:

   To create standalone applications from MATLAB code -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   MATLAB Compiler = standalone apps [OK]

Hint: Remember: Compiler makes apps, not edits or debugging [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing compiler with editor or debugger
• Thinking it converts MATLAB to other languages
• Assuming it requires MATLAB installed to run compiled apps

2. Which of the following is the correct command to compile a MATLAB function myfunc.m into a standalone application?

easy

A. run myfunc.m

B. compile myfunc.m

C. build myfunc.m

D. mcc -m myfunc.m

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall MATLAB Compiler command syntax

   The MATLAB Compiler uses the mcc command with flags; -m creates standalone apps.

2. Step 2: Match options with correct syntax

   mcc -m myfunc.m uses mcc -m myfunc.m, which is the correct command to compile a function into an app.

3. Final Answer:

   mcc -m myfunc.m -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Compile command = mcc -m [OK]

Hint: Use mcc -m to compile MATLAB apps [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using generic words like 'compile' or 'build' instead of mcc
• Trying to run instead of compile
• Omitting the -m flag for standalone apps

3. What will happen if you run a compiled MATLAB application on a computer without MATLAB installed but with MATLAB Runtime installed?

medium

A. The application will open MATLAB editor

B. The application will run normally using MATLAB Runtime

C. The application will run but with limited features

D. The application will fail because MATLAB is required

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand MATLAB Runtime role

   Compiled MATLAB apps run on computers without MATLAB if MATLAB Runtime is installed.

2. Step 2: Evaluate options based on this fact

   The application will run normally using MATLAB Runtime states the app runs normally using MATLAB Runtime, which is correct.

3. Final Answer:

   The application will run normally using MATLAB Runtime -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   MATLAB Runtime enables running compiled apps [OK]

Hint: MATLAB Runtime runs compiled apps without MATLAB [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming MATLAB must be installed to run compiled apps
• Thinking features are limited without MATLAB
• Confusing MATLAB Runtime with MATLAB editor

4. You tried to compile app.m using mcc app.m but got an error. What is the likely problem?

medium

A. MATLAB Runtime is not installed

B. The file app.m does not exist

C. Missing the -m flag to specify standalone app

D. You need to run run app.m instead

Solution

1. Step 1: Check the compile command syntax

   The mcc command requires flags like -m to specify output type.

2. Step 2: Identify missing flag causing error

   Using mcc app.m without -m causes error because output type is unclear.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing the -m flag to specify standalone app -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   mcc needs -m flag for apps [OK]

Hint: Always include -m flag when compiling apps [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting the -m flag
• Assuming MATLAB Runtime affects compilation
• Confusing compile and run commands

5. You want to share a MATLAB program with a friend who does not have MATLAB installed. Which steps should you follow to share your program using MATLAB Compiler?

hard

A. Compile your MATLAB code into a standalone app using mcc -m, then send the app and ask your friend to install MATLAB Runtime

B. Send your MATLAB script file and ask your friend to install MATLAB

C. Convert your MATLAB code to Python and send the Python script

D. Send your MATLAB code and ask your friend to install MATLAB Compiler

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to share MATLAB code without MATLAB

   MATLAB Compiler creates standalone apps that run without MATLAB but require MATLAB Runtime.

2. Step 2: Choose correct sharing method

   Compile your MATLAB code into a standalone app using mcc -m, then send the app and ask your friend to install MATLAB Runtime correctly describes compiling with mcc -m and sharing the app plus MATLAB Runtime installation.

3. Final Answer:

   Compile your MATLAB code into a standalone app using mcc -m, then send the app and ask your friend to install MATLAB Runtime -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Compile + MATLAB Runtime = share without MATLAB [OK]

Hint: Compile app and share with MATLAB Runtime for easy use [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Sending raw MATLAB scripts without MATLAB installed
• Expecting friend to install MATLAB Compiler
• Trying to convert code manually to other languages