Hi,
Building code in MATLAB and running the generated files involves several steps, particularly when you're creating standalone applications or libraries from your MATLAB code. Here's an overview of the operational flow and mechanisms involved:
1. Development of MATLAB Code
- Write MATLAB Scripts/Functions: Begin by developing your MATLAB scripts or functions. These files typically have a `.m` extension and contain the code logic you want to execute.
2. Prepare for Deployment
- Dependencies: Identify and include any dependencies your code might have, such as additional MATLAB files, toolboxes, or data files.
3. Use MATLAB Compiler
- MATLAB Compiler: Use the `MATLAB Compiler` to convert your MATLAB code into standalone applications or shared libraries. This process involves compiling your `.m` files into binary files that can be executed outside of the MATLAB environment.
- Command-Line or App: You can compile using the MATLAB command line with the `mcc` command or via the MATLAB Compiler app, which provides a GUI for specifying options.
4. Building the Application
- Compilation Process: During the compilation, MATLAB converts your code into a C/C++ executable or a Java package, depending on the target you choose. This involves:
- Parsing and Analyzing: MATLAB parses the code to understand dependencies and execution flow.
- Code Generation: MATLAB generates intermediate representations of your code.
- Linking: The generated code is linked against the MATLAB Runtime to create an executable.
- Output Files: The compilation process generates several files:
- Executable/Application: The main executable file (e.g., `.exe` on Windows).
- MATLAB Runtime Files: Libraries required to run the application, typically packaged with the executable or installed separately.
5. Running the Built Application
- MATLAB Runtime: To run the built application, the system must have the MATLAB Runtime installed. This runtime environment contains the necessary libraries to execute compiled MATLAB code.
- Execution: The built executable is run like any other application. When executed, it interacts with the MATLAB Runtime to perform the operations defined in your original MATLAB code.
- Command-Line or GUI: Depending on how the application was built, it can be run from the command line or launched as a GUI application.
6. Distribution
- Packaging: You can package the executable and any necessary files for distribution. This might include an installer for the MATLAB Runtime if it's not already installed on the target machines.
- Deployment: Deploy the application to other systems, ensuring that the MATLAB Runtime is available.
Additional Considerations
- Licensing: Ensure you have the appropriate licenses for the MATLAB Compiler and any toolboxes used in your code.
- Testing: Thoroughly test the compiled application to ensure it performs as expected outside the MATLAB environment.
- Updates: When updating your MATLAB code, you'll need to recompile to create a new version of the application.
By following these steps, you can effectively build and run MATLAB-generated files, allowing your applications to operate independently of the MATLAB environment.
