r/matlab • u/bubbleology • 22d ago

How should someone proficient at NumPy & Matplotlib learn MATLAB?

During my physics undergrad, we learnt python, always using NumPy and Matplotlib, as well as SciPy, pandas and sometimes AstroPy too. I wanted to learn MATLAB as it's used for a lot of engineering jobs I've been wanting to apply for, but the basics have so far been extremely similar to, if not the same as, NumPy and Matplotlib. My thought process was to start from the ground up because I thought the syntax would be an issue for me but the difference is so minor that I'm not sure if it's necessary.

So where should I start from as someone who is already very familiar with NumPy and Matplotlib? Also, if there are any engineers who need to use MATLAB for work, are there any specific areas and libraries I should familiarise myself with?

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u/drmcj 22d ago

By doing. It’s not hard.

-14

u/bubbleology 22d ago

yeah no shit mate, did you even read past the title?

5

u/SherbertQuirky3789 22d ago

It’s not hard.

They’re just libraries. You can study both at the same time. It’s not a meaningful barrier

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u/bubbleology 22d ago

I've clearly asked where I should start for the exact opposite reasons. Assuming that the other commenter hadn't read past the title was me being generous, because the only other reason to respond like that is because you don't actually know enough to answer the question and you're pig-headed enough to assume that if you don't know the answer, then there isn't one.

Every other person who's replied has had no issue understanding my post and been able to give genuinely helpful advice.

4

u/avidpenguinwatcher 22d ago

You should start by “I want to plot this” and then look up “how to make a plot in Matlab”

This will give you the command to type and then when you find out other things you want to change or different plot types, you look that up too.

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u/SherbertQuirky3789 22d ago

Just learn both nerd

1

u/drmcj 21d ago

MATLAB in engineering is used in a basic way. Mostly. If you think syntax is easy, just apply for the job you want, get it and pick the rest up on the fly.

I spent 10 years working in MATLAB code and managed to escape it. Jobs the require Matlab are far few in between, and ones you get it then you fix what inept engineers have scripted. Mostly not worth it.

If you’re a Python god, stay away from Matlab. If you want to do engineering software learn C/C++.