The main reason for a fourth edition of Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists is to keep up with MATLAB, now in its latest version (7.7 Version 2008B). Like the previous editions, this one presents MATLAB as a problemsolving tool for professionals in science and engineering, as well as students in those fields, who have no prior knowledge of computer programming.

In keeping with the late Brian D. Hahn’s objectives in previous editions, the fourth edition adopts an informal, tutorial style for its “teach-yourself” approach, which invites readers to experiment with MATLAB as a way of discovering how it works. It assumes that readers have never used this tool in their technical problem solving.

MATLAB, which stands for “Matrix Laboratory,” is based on the concept of the matrix. Because readers will be unfamiliar with matrices, ideas and constructs are developed gradually, as the context requires. The primary audience for Essential MATLAB is scientists and engineers, and for that reason certain examples require some first-year college math, particularly in Part 2. However, these examples are self-contained and can be skipped without detracting from the development of readers’ programming skills.

MATLAB can be used in two distinct modes. One, in keeping the modernage craving for instant gratification, offers immediate execution of statements (or groups of statements) in the Command Window. The other, for the more patient, offers conventional programming by means of script files. Both modes are put to good use here: the former encouraging cut and paste to take full advantage of Windows’ interactive environment; the latter stressing programming principles and algorithm development through structure plans.