Do I need to install toolboxes, or Matlab alone is enough for most uses?

I need Matlab. Is it enough if I only choose Matlab in the installation, or do I need to choose at least some complements? Compiler Toolbox, for exemple.

And if I need Simulink, ... the same question.

Thanks

Answer 1

[Image Analyst]

Depends on what you want to do. Base MATLAB might be enough. But a huge percentage of the questions here involve either the Image Processing Toolbox, the Signal Processing Toolbox, or the Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox. Look at the questions count on the main Questions page and you'll see what toolboxes people use most.

The compiler is far and away the most expensive toolbox, like $5k and you will only need it if you want to turn your program into a standalone executable or a DLL (mex file). Chances are you don't need that one. But you could probably benefit from the 3 toolboxes I mentioned, if you can afford them or want them.

[Walter Roberson]

MATLAB Coder is more expensive than MATLAB Compiler, if I recall correctly.

I have never seen the price of Automated Driving Toolbox, but it is expensive enough to be in the same price class as Compiler or Coder.

"Mathematics and Optimization" is 50% more common than AI, Data Science, and Statistics. Image Processing is between the two.

Answer 2

[Walter Roberson]

If you are referring to installing a system compiler such as MinGW: I personally only need to compile things (with MEX) about once a year. Other people might need it multiple times per day. If you were using Rapid Acceleration mode with SImulink, then the system compiler might get used often.

If you are referring to MATLAB Compiler, the product that compiles MATLAB source code into an executable: I have rarely had a use for that myself. Some of the volunteers use it a lot in their particular situation.

There are entire industries, such as creating FPGA, that need system compilers extensively, but there is a lot that can be done with MATLAB without using them.

[Walter Roberson]

If you are asking about the Mathworks "toolbox" products:

For my work, I use the Symbolic Toolbox most days, and the Optimization Toolbox fairly often. I use some of the other toolboxes too, less frequently. There are other toolboxes that I have never myself had reason to use, such as Automated Driving. Experiences can vary a fair bit depending on needs.