Comparing MATLAB® and Python – All you need to Know
Currently, there is a huge discussion about MATLAB® and Python – which to choose between the two for scientific and mathematical computations, as both offers a variety of unique features.
This article will compare features of both MATLAB® and Python that would help organizations to decide between the two based on their requirements.
A close look at MATLAB® and Python
| MATLAB® |
Python |
| 1. Uses end statements for indicating closure | 1. Indent code blocks (indentation) are used which helps to define scope of a block. |
| 2. Parentheses are used for function and method calls | 2. Indexing and parentheses are done by using square brackets. Both are for method and function calls |
| 3. Learning and programming are simple | 3. Learning and programming are simple for individuals who have some background of programming. |
| 4. Uses Matrix as basic data element which helps for computational purposes. Arrays or matrices present in MATLAB® allow computation. Other built in operations include cross-products, determinants, dot-products, inverse matrices, etc. | 4. Have to program to create Matrix as basic data element for computational purposes |
| 5. Uses memory in a big scale for larger computational purposes | 5. May not consume large memory for large computational purposes |
| 6. Graphical interactive tools allow to plot data; change size; scales; colour, and other parameters to get graphical output. | 6. In-built features are not present for creating graphical output. Programming has to be done for creating graphics. Graphical interactive tools can be created by programming. |
| 7. Allows to add toolboxes which has its own functions | 7. Programming allows to add features which has its own functions |
| 8. While Loop not needed as two arrays combined makes only one command | 8. While Loop can be used for repeating a process |
| 9. MATLAB® provides a programming environment even though it is in not a programming language | 9. It is a dynamic programming language |
| 10. Can be used for scientific calculations; forecasting; analysis; mathematical computation, and many more work. | 10. Can be used for scientific calculations; forecasting; analysis; mathematical computation, and many more work. |
| 11. It includes a big standard library but less compared to Python. | 11. It includes vast standard library; automated memory handling, and dynamic type system. |
| 12. MATLAB® small code is easier to understand but long codes may be difficult to understand | 12. Python small and hard codes are easier to understand if programming knowledge is solid |
| 13. Contains a tons of in-built features | 13. Programming is needed to create features |
| 14. Its toolbox is a licensed version | 14. It is an open source application |
| 15. Allows object-oriented programming | 15. Allows object-oriented programming |
| 16. Allows to search a list of folders | 16. Allows to search within folders |
| MATLAB® Online TrainingMATLAB® can be understood completely by enrolling for MATLAB® Online Training program. MATLAB® online course allows professionals to learn from any place and anywhere at the time of their convenience. | |
