Scilab

What is Scilab?

Numerical analysis or scientific computation is the study of approximation techniques to numerically solve mathematical problems.

Scilab is based on numerical computing methods:

• Data analysis
• Development of Algorithms
• Model

Available methods include:

• Interpolation and regression
• Differentiation and integration
• Linear systems of equations
• Fourier Analysis
• Ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
• Matrix computation (determination of self-values and singular values)

Data visualization

Scilab provides graphical functions for viewing, annotating, and exporting data and offers several ways to create and customize various types of plots and graphs:

• Lines
• Sector chart
• Histograms
• Surfaces
• LaTeX / MathML Annotations
• Export of graphics in various formats: PNG, PPM, EMF, EPS, FIG, PDF, SVG.

Animations

Additional graphic resources: Plotlib ATOMS module by Stéphane Mottelet

Algos development

Scilab is a high-level programming language for scientific programming. It enables rapid prototyping of algorithms without having to deal with the complexity of other lower-level programming languages, such as C and Fortran (memory management, variable definition). This is handled natively by Scilab, which results in some lines of code for complex mathematical operations, where other languages would require much longer codes.

It also comes with an advanced data structure, such as polynomials, arrays, and graphical identifiers, and provides an easily operational development environment:

• Scinotes is a text editor that allows easy editing of scripts with auto-completion, auto-indentation, code browser, possibility of executing instructions and managing multiple instances.
• The variable editor allows you to manipulate/edit variables as arrays and analyze them through different plot types. You can also copy/paste values from a spreadsheet or another application

Programming features

With this new version, Scilab now offers useful tools for developing clean and effective algorithms.

• A complete debugger

Although it does not yet provide user interface, debugging mode allows you to

• Dealing with breakpoints with or without condition
• Variable display and call stack
• Start running with stop and error or step by step
• A profiling and coverage tool

Optimize your algorithm by reducing runtime with this first-class dynamic analysis tool.

Integration with other codes

Source of innovation and development control, Scilab's interconnection capabilities are numerous. You can then use Scilab from other applications or integrate its components written in other languages into Scilab.

• Scilab is an extensive platform that can interact with other languages directly in Scilab, calling Java, Python, Tcl Tk, Fortran or C, C++
• Scilab can be used as a standalone calculation engine by external Java, Python, or C, C++ applications
• Scilab can be called Excel, Isight, LabView, ProActive, Diet and more

System requirements:

CPU: 1.8 GHz dual core processor

RAM: 2 GB

HDD / SSD: 50 GB of free space on the main drive

Operating system: Microsoft Windows 8 32-bit, Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit and Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit

Resolution: 1024×768