**Course Title:** MATLAB Programming: Applications in Engineering, Data Science, and Simulation **Section Title:** Packaging, Deployment, and Version Control **Topic:** MATLAB code packaging: Creating functions, toolboxes, and standalone applications. **Introduction** MATLAB code packaging is an essential skill for any MATLAB developer who wants to share their code, reuse existing code, or deploy their applications to a larger audience. In this topic, we will learn how to create functions, toolboxes, and standalone applications in MATLAB. We will also explore the different types of packaging options available in MATLAB and how to choose the most suitable one for our project. **Creating Functions** Functions are reusable blocks of code that can be called from other scripts or functions. To create a function in MATLAB, follow these steps: 1. Open the MATLAB Editor and create a new file. 2. Define the function using the `function` keyword followed by the function name and input/output arguments. 3. Write the function code inside the function block. 4. Save the file with a `.m` extension. Here is an example of a simple function: ```matlab function output = my_function(input) % Add your function code here output = input * 2; end ``` **Creating Toolboxes** A toolbox is a collection of related functions that can be easily distributed and installed on other systems. To create a toolbox in MATLAB, follow these steps: 1. Organize your functions into a directory structure. 2. Create a ` Contents.m` file that lists the functions in your toolbox. 3. Use the ` toolbox` function to create a toolbox package. 4. Distribute the toolbox package to other users or install it on your system. Here is an example of a `Contents.m` file: ```matlab % Toolbox name toolbox_name = 'My Toolbox'; % List of functions functions = {'my_function', 'my_other_function'}; ``` **Creating Standalone Applications** Standalone applications are executable files that can run without the need for MATLAB. To create a standalone application in MATLAB, follow these steps: 1. Use the ` deploytool` function to create a deployment project. 2. Select the files you want to include in the deployment. 3. Choose the deployment option (e.g., Windows, Linux, or macOS). 4. Generate the deployment package. Here is an example of creating a standalone application: ```matlab % Create a deployment project project = deploytool('my_app'); % Add files to the project add_file(project, 'my_function.m'); % Build the deployment package build(project); ``` **Key Concepts and Terms** * Function: A reusable block of code that can be called from other scripts or functions. * Toolbox: A collection of related functions that can be easily distributed and installed on other systems. * Standalone application: An executable file that can run without the need for MATLAB. **Packaging and Deployment Options** MATLAB offers several packaging and deployment options, including: * ` deploytool`: A graphic user interface for creating deployment projects. * `toolbox`: A function for creating toolbox packages. * ` compile`: A function for compiling MATLAB code into an executable file. * ` package` : A function for packaging MATLAB code into a deployable package. **Practical Takeaways** * Create reusable blocks of code using functions. * Organize related functions into a toolbox for easy distribution and installation. * Use the ` deploytool` function to create standalone applications. **Example Use Cases** * Creating a toolbox of engineering functions for use by a team. * Developing a standalone application for data analysis and visualization. * Packaging a machine learning model for deployment to a production environment. **External Resources** * [MATLAB Documentation: Creating Toolbox Packages](https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/toolboxes.html) * [MATLAB Documentation: Creating Standalone Applications](https://www.mathworks.com/help(matlab/deployment_CREATE-AN-APPLICATION.html)) * [MATLAB Documentation: Packaging and Deployment](https://www.mathworks.com/help(matlab/deployment/index.html)) **Do You Have Any Questions or Need Further Assistance?** Please feel free to ask for help or leave a comment below.