MATLAB by rudra pratap

Preface
xiii
greatest strength of this book. Therefore, in this edition, I have strengthened that
chapter by adding a few more tutorials that invite the reader to explore five different
aspects of MATLAB computing. Chapter 2 is now divided into two parts-the
basics (five tutorials) and the directional explorations (six tutorials). The basics
are meant to get you going within an hour, if you are a first-time user. Then,
take a coffee break, and dive into more substantial tutorials of your choice-on
arrays, anonymous functions, symbolic mathematics, exporting and importing data,
navigating files and directories, or publishing reports. You do not have to go through
the later tutorials serially. You can pick and choose. You can also come back to
them later when you need to explore that particular aspect of MATLAB computing.
Another major change in this edition is the chapter on Computer Algebra and
Symbolic Math Toolbox, Chapter 8. MATLAB has changed the symbolic math
engine from Maple to MuPAD. Although, this change is largely unnoticeable to
casual users of the Symbolic Math Toolbox, it has prompted me to revise that
chapter significantly. I have added some material that brings out the symbolic
computation power available to the user by direct access to MuPAD functionality
through the MuPAD notebook interface in MATLAB. In particular, I have tried to
draw the attention of the reader to the powerful graphics capabilities of MuPAD.
The current edition has been updated for MATLAB Release 2009a. Every update
requires checking each command and function given in this book as examples,
and changing them if required. One peculiar problem with bringing out a new edition
of a book like this (to keep up with the new version of the software package) is
to decide which aspects of software upgrade should be included. The new venlions
of software packages usually add features that their experienced users ask for. As a
result, the packages and their manuals get bigger and bigger, and more intimidating
to a new user. I have tried hard to protect the interests of a new user in this book.
To a new or an average user, most of the distinction in new releases of any software
nowadays has to do with look and feel of the software, that is, the user interface.
Most of that has to do with rearranged windows, menus, etc. ; pretty much like new
models of cars-most of the changes are in head-lights, tail-lights, mirrors, etc., not
many in engines. Our focus on MATLAB is as a scientific computing and visualization
tool. Therefore, I have chosen not to pay much attention to user interface
features. I limit the attention to those features that a beginner cannot avoid noticing.
If I could, I would like to keep the book largely free of MATLAD screen shots
(and thus the dependency on the twicr--a-year release of MATLAB versions). Almost
every single command or feature discussed in this book should work just fine
with MATLAB 2008 and 2009 releases. I do not expect any major changes in most
commands and functiom; presented in this book with the new releases of MATLAB
over the next couple of years. However, I do intend to keep a current list of change;;
on this book's web;;ite (www.oup.com/usjpratap) to safeguard your interest.
Your feedback is very important to me. If you find the book informative and
useful, it is my pleasure to be of service to you. If you find it frustrating, please
share your frustrations with me so that I can try to improve future editions.