MATLAB Compiler

Why Compile M-Files?

There are several reasons to compile M-files:

• To create stand-alone applications
• To create C shared libraries (DLLs on Windows) or C++ static libraries
• To create COM components
• To hide proprietary algorithms

Stand-Alone Applications and Libraries

You can create MATLAB applications that take advantage of the mathematical functions of MATLAB, yet do not require that the user owns MATLAB. Stand-alone applications are a convenient way to package the power of MATLAB and to distribute a customized application to your users.

You can develop an algorithm in MATLAB to perform specialized calculations and use the Compiler to create a C shared library (DLL on Windows) or a C++ static library. You can then integrate the algorithm into a C/C++ application. After you compile the C/C++ application, you can use the MATLAB algorithm to perform specialized calculations from your program.

Excel Plug-Ins

With the optional MATLAB Excel Builder, you can automatically generate a Visual Basic Application file (.bas) and a plug-in DLL from your MATLAB model that can be imported into Excel as a stand-alone function.

COM Components

With the optional MATLAB COM Builder, you can create COM components that can be used in any application that works with COM objects.

Hiding Proprietary Algorithms

MATLAB M-files are ASCII text files that anyone can view and modify. MEX-files are binary files. Shipping MEX-files or stand-alone applications instead of M-files hides proprietary algorithms and prevents modification of your M-files.

The MATLAB Compiler Family

Upgrading from Previous Versions of the Compiler