Newsletters - MATLAB Digest

MATLAB^® Add-in for Visual Studio:

Using M-files in Visual C++ Development System^™

by: Ophir Herbst

Introduction

Many MATLAB applications require the usage of Visual C++ Development System^™ as part of the development process. Common examples include generation of stand-alone C/C++ applications from M-files, creation and debugging of C MEX files for MATLAB, and the integration of legacy M-files in C++ applications.

The MATLAB Add-in for Visual Studio automates the task of bringing MATLAB code into Visual C++. It streamlines Visual C++ projects by setting the library and include paths, defining the constants needed, and the libraries to be included for use with compiled M-files. Furthermore, the MATLAB Add-in for Visual Studio uses the MATLAB MCC and MEX commands, eliminating the manual effort of calling them with the right parameters to compile the M- or C- files.

The MATLAB Add-in is a major new tool for MATLAB users. It makes developing hybrid MATLAB and C/C++ applications much easier, and provides tight integration between MATLAB technology and the Visual C++ environment.

With the MATLAB Add-in for Visual Studio You Can:

• Easily add M-files to an existing Visual C++ project
• Quickly create stand-alone C or C++ applications from your M-files
• Create C MEX files or M MEX files with ease
• Create shared libraries or MEX files from your M-files
• Reuse your M-files in your C/C++ applications
• Debug M-file source code rather than MATLAB Compiler generated C/C++ files
• Automate the process of editing M-files and compiling then into C/C++, all inside Visual C++
• Examine matrix data while debugging, using the Visual Matrix Viewer
• Package completed projects for distribution

Before Continuing Make Sure You Have:

• Installed MATLAB 6, the MATLAB Compiler, MATLAB Graphics Library, MATLAB Math Library and Visual C++ 5.0 or later
• Run >mbuild -setup from the dos prompt
• Run >mex -setup from the dos prompt
• Run >cd(prefdir);mccsavepath; from the MATLAB prompt
• Installed the MATLAB Add-in into Visual C++ (as per the installation instructions)

Working with MATLAB Add-in for Visual Studio

Visual MATLAB provides several components that automate tasks involved in generation and debugging of Visual C++ applications. Refer to the MATLAB Add-in installation instructions for help with component installation.

MATLAB Project Wizard The MATLAB Project Wizard automates the creation of Visual C++ projects. It lets you select the type of application the project will generate and select the M-files for inclusion in that project. Using the MATLAB Project Wizard you should be able to easily generate a complete application that compiles and runs successfully.	click to see larger image
MATLAB Add-in Toolbar You can access the major Visual MATLAB components from the MATLAB Add-in toolbar. The toolbar is available as part of the Visual C++ Integrated Development Environment, and has the following buttons: M++-adds additional M-files into an existing project. Matrix Viewer-opens the matrix viewer, which you use to view MATLAB matrix variables while debugging M-files or C-Mex projects. Packager-packages complete applications for distribution. Help-opens the Visual MATLAB help file
Matrix Viewer The Matrix Viewer enables you to visually view MATLAB matrix variables while debugging Visual C++ applications generated from M-files, or those containing C MEX files. The Matrix Viewer supports most of MATLAB's native types (double/int matrices, sparce matrices, cell arrays, structures etc.) and provides a convenient view of them. The Matrix Viewer allows you to navigate through the matrices stored cell-arrays and structures: To view a variable in a Visual C++ application, press the Matrix Viewer button. To view a variable inside a MATLAB session, use >mviewer varname.	click to see larger image
Packager The packager provides a user-friendly, single-step interface that packages the generated executable and all required DLLs for distribution into a single compressed zip file. This lets you easily distribute your application to colleagues or clients. Example 1: Creating a Stand-alone Application for Distribution Example 2: Generating and Debugging C-Mex Files for MATLAB	click to see larger image

(c)2000 by The MathWorks, Inc. MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, Handle Graphics, Real-Time Workshop, and Target Language Compiler are trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. Visual C++ and Visual Studio are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.Other product or brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.