How to Create Simulink App for Deployment Quickly

To create a Simulink app for deployment, first design your app using MATLAB App Designer integrating Simulink model controls. Then use Simulink Compiler to package the app into a standalone executable or web app for deployment.

Syntax

Creating a Simulink app for deployment involves these main steps:

• Design app UI: Use appdesigner to build the app interface.
• Integrate Simulink model: Load and control your Simulink model from the app code.
• Compile app: Use simulink.compiler.buildStandaloneApp to package the app for deployment.

Key commands:

appdesigner % Opens MATLAB App Designer to create UI
simulink.compiler.buildStandaloneApp('AppName.mlapp') % Compiles app for deployment

matlab

appdesigner
simulink.compiler.buildStandaloneApp('MySimulinkApp.mlapp')

Example

This example shows how to create a simple Simulink app that loads a model and runs it from a button click, then compile it for deployment.

matlab

% Step 1: Create app in App Designer with a button named 'RunModelButton'
% Step 2: Add this callback code to the button
function RunModelButtonPushed(app, event)
    model = 'sldemo_motor'; % Example Simulink model
    load_system(model);
    set_param(model, 'SimulationCommand', 'start');
end

% Step 3: Save app as 'MySimulinkApp.mlapp'

% Step 4: Compile app for deployment
simulink.compiler.buildStandaloneApp('MySimulinkApp.mlapp')

Output

Building standalone app 'MySimulinkApp'...
Packaging complete. Executable created in the current folder.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating Simulink apps for deployment include:

• Not saving the app file (.mlapp) before compiling.
• Forgetting to include the Simulink model file or not loading it properly in the app code.
• Using unsupported Simulink blocks or features that prevent compilation.
• Not testing the app thoroughly before deployment.

Always test your app in MATLAB before compiling.

matlab

%% Wrong: Trying to compile without saving app
simulink.compiler.buildStandaloneApp('UnsavedApp.mlapp') % Error: file not found

%% Right: Save app first, then compile
simulink.compiler.buildStandaloneApp('SavedApp.mlapp') % Success

Quick Reference

Step	Command/Action	Description
1	appdesigner	Open MATLAB App Designer to create UI
2	Load Simulink model in app code	Use load_system('modelname') to load model
3	Control model	Use set_param to start/stop simulation
4	simulink.compiler.buildStandaloneApp('AppName.mlapp')	Compile app for deployment
5	Test executable	Run the packaged app outside MATLAB

Key Takeaways

Use MATLAB App Designer to build the app interface integrating Simulink controls.

Load and control your Simulink model programmatically within the app.

Compile the app using Simulink Compiler to create standalone executables.

Always save and test your app before compiling for deployment.

Check for unsupported Simulink features that may block compilation.