A programmer in the IoT industry from a second or third-tier city, who enjoys playing Monster Hunter and is an obscure creative developer. Thank you for taking the time to read my article, and I happily chewed on three more pieces of grass.
Discussion
Our company, Xiao Ka, focuses on IoT, relying on sensors for various data collection and analysis to meet customer monitoring needs.
On our desktop, we use MATLAB for algorithm implementation, while on the web, we use Python for the same purpose.
In our work, we have found that in many cases, Python can fulfill requirements more quickly. Can we say that Python can completely replace MATLAB?
1. What is MATLAB?
MATLAB is a commercial mathematical software developed by MathWorks in the United States. It is essential for implementing advanced algorithms and is beloved by many laboratories and scientists.
Of course, Xiao Ka is not a highly specialized algorithm engineer; our company only utilizes a small fraction of MATLAB‘s features, mainly in signal processing algorithms.
Meanwhile, Python also has some very well-known mathematical computation libraries, and many algorithm libraries are even modeled after MATLAB.
2. Advantages of Python over MATLAB
2.1 Installation Size
MATLAB‘s installation package is very large, often around 20GB, and even the runtime version requires about 3GB.
In contrast, Python is only a few hundred MB, with smaller libraries being just a few MB and larger ones reaching up to a hundred MB, at most around 1GB.
2.2 Cost
MATLAB, as a commercial software, is completely closed-source and requires expensive fees.
On the other hand, Python is open-source and free, which gives it a significant advantage.
2.3 Environment Deployment
MATLAB deployment is relatively difficult, requiring specific runtime versions or additional compilation.
Python is cross-platform and can be easily installed on any platform, making deployment much quicker.
2.4 AI Ecosystem
MATLAB does have an AI toolbox, but its ecosystem is not as rich as that of Python.
3. Disadvantages of Python compared to MATLAB
Although we work with Python, we must acknowledge the advantages of MATLAB, which Python currently cannot replace.
3.1 Simulation
MATLAB‘s Simulink is the industry standard for dynamic system modeling and simulation, but Python lacks an equivalent tool.
3.2 More Reliable Algorithms
MATLAB, as a commercial mathematical software, has all its algorithms rigorously tested and optimized.
In contrast, most of Python‘s computational libraries are less reliable compared to MATLAB, and many of Python‘s algorithm results are judged for correctness based on MATLAB‘s results, highlighting MATLAB‘s standing in the field.
Therefore, in commercial fields, such as industrial control, reliable algorithms lead to more stable and dependable solutions, making them more favored.
3.3 Interactivity
MATLAB has an interactive environment that allows users to learn and get started through a graphical interface.
However, Python is purely code-based, requiring knowledge of programming languages to use.
4. Conclusion
Overall, in commercial fields and scientific research, MATLAB is more widely favored due to its highly usable algorithm libraries.
Meanwhile, Python is gradually moving closer to MATLAB, steadily improving through community efforts, and may one day truly replace MATLAB.
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