Computer Programming with MATLAB

Programmer’s Toolbox

Polymorphism

  • Polymorphic: having multiple forms
  • If a function can handle calls when the same input argument has different types: polymorphic function
  • If a function can handle a variable number of input arguments: polymorphic also
  • Many MATLAB functions return an output that has the same shape as the input provided (e.g., sqrt)
  • Polymorphism is very powerful

Random Sequence Initialization

  • When we start MATLAB and call rand, it always returns the same exact number: 0.8147 (As an exercise, try it at home
  • Pseudo random number generator: initialized at startup and it generates the exact same sequence of numbers every time
  • Repeatability for testing the program: good!
  • What if we want “truly” random numbers?
  • Initialize the MATLAB pseudo random number generator with rng!

Debugging

  • It is easy to make mistakes!
  • Syntax errors:
    • MATLAB catches these errors
    • Some may cause errors that MATLAB can catch
    • Some may cause the wrong result every time
    • Some may only cause problems occasionally (e.g., with a certain combination of inputs)
  • Hard to notice and find the cause of MATLAB has built-in debugger Tool to help find errors (bugs)