MATLAB Programming

Program Development
Program Development
This section covers the following topics:
• “Planning the Program” on page 12-19
• “Using Pseudo-Code” on page 12-19
• “Selecting the Right Data Structures” on page 12-19
• “General Coding Practices” on page 12-20
• “Naming a Function Uniquely” on page 12-20
• “The Importance of Comments” on page 12-20
• “Coding in Steps” on page 12-21
• “Making Modifications in Steps” on page 12-21
• “Functions with One Calling Function” on page 12-21
• “Testing the Final Program” on page 12-21
Planning the Program
When planning how to write a program, take the problem you are trying
to solve and break it down into a series of smaller, independent tasks.
Implement each task as a separate function. Try to keep functions fairly
short, each having a single purpose.
Using Pseudo-Code
You may find it helpful to write the initial draft of your program in a
structured format using your ownnaturallanguage.Thispseudo-code is often
easier to think through, review, and modify than using a formal programming
language, yet it is easily translated into a programming language in the next
stage of development.
Selecting the Right Data Structures
Look at what data types and data structures are available to you in MATLAB
and determine which of those best fit your needs in storing and passing your
data.
12-19