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Before Using File Exchange

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What Is File Exchange? What You Need to Use File Exchange Ways to Access the File Exchange Repository

What Is File Exchange?

File Exchange lets you use files that were created by other users. Users have submitted thousands of files to a repository located at the MathWorks Web site, that include:

• M-files

• Simulink models

• Video demos

Use File Exchange to find a file you want and download it for use in MATLAB. Using the files saves you time, provides new ideas for your own work, and extends the set of features provided with MathWorks products.

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What You Need to Use File Exchange

To access the repository, you need:

• An Internet connection

  If your network uses a proxy server to access the Internet, specify the proxy server settings. For more information, see Specifying Proxy Server Settings.

• A MathWorks Account. If you do not have an account, create one when you open the File Exchange desktop tool. Use the Create an account link in the login window.

There is no cost to create an account or to use files in the File Exchange repository.

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Ways to Access the File Exchange Repository

There are two ways to access the repository:

• File Exchange tool in the MATLAB desktop. See How To Use the File Exchange Desktop Tool.

• Web interface. Select Help > Web Resources > MATLAB File Exchange, or go to http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/

Both the desktop tool and Web interface provide similar functionality. Use either to find, view details for, download, and provide feedback about files in the repository. There are some differences.

When to Use the Desktop Tool

Use the desktop tool when you want to:

• Work within the MATLAB desktop, as a natural part of your workflow

• Use multiple tags to find files

• Use search words and tags together to find files

When you use the File Exchange desktop tool, you can access only those files that are licensed under the BSD license. As a result:

• The desktop tool could report fewer matches than the Web interface reports.

• You might not find a file using the desktop tool that you can find using the Web interface.

When to Use the Web Interface

Use the Web interface when you want to:

• Submit files to the repository.

• Use File Exchange in a Web browser, without starting MATLAB.

• View a list of all authors, monitor changes to files with a watch list, and use other related features.

• View the complete list of files that match your criteria.

  For performance reasons, the desktop tool does not list all matches at once. The desktop tool lists a maximum of 50 matches at once. You can view the other files in the desktop tool by changing your criteria.

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File Exchange — Finding and Getting Files Created by Other Users

How To Use the File Exchange Desktop Tool

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