Programming language based (principally) on matrices.
Slow (compared with fortran or C) because it is an interpreted language, i.e. not pre-compiled. Avoid for loops; instead use vector form (see section on vector technique below) whenever possible.
Automatic memory management, i.e., you don't have to declare arrays in advance.
Intuitive, easy to use.
Compact (array handling is fortran90-like).
Shorter program development time than traditional programming languages such as Fortran and C.
Can be converted into C code via MATLAB compiler for better efficiency (may be ...).
Many application-specific toolboxes available.
Coupled with Maple for symbolic computations.
On multicore computers, certain operations may be processed in parallel autonomously -- when computational load warrants.
