Matlab: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving discusses the basic programming concepts and skills needed for problem solving using MATLAB software. The book differs from other texts in that it teaches programming concepts and the use of the built-in functions in MATLAB simultaneously. Starting with basic programming concepts, such as variables, assignments, input/output, selection, and loop statements, problems are introduced and solved throughout the book.
The book is organized into two parts. Part I covers the programming constructs and demonstrates programming versus efficient use of built-in functions to solve problems. Part II discusses the applications, including plotting, image processing, and mathematics, needed in basic problem solving. The chapters feature sections called 'Quick Question!” as well as practice problems designed to test knowledge about the material covered. Problems are solved using both 'The Programming Concept” and 'The Efficient Method,” which facilitates understanding the efficient ways of using MATLAB, and also the programming concepts used in these efficient functions and operators.

Presents programming concepts and MATLAB built-in functions side-by-side, giving students the ability to program efficiently and exploit the power of MATLAB to solve problems.
In depth coverage of file input/output, a topic essential for many engineering applications
Systematic, step-by-step approach, building on concepts throughout the book, facilitating easier learning
Sections on 'common pitfalls' and 'programming guidelines' direct students towards best practice

Stormy Attaway is Assistant Professor and Faculty Coordinator for Special Programs within the Mechanical Engineering Department at Boston University. She also currently serves as Director of Curricular Assessment and Improvement for the College of Engineering. In this capacity, she coordinates the curricular assessment and improvement programs within the College, in order to better the academic experience of the undergraduates. She has been the course coordinator for the Engineering Computation courses at Boston University for over twenty years, and has taught a variety of programming courses using many different languages and software packages.