Generation of Random Variates

generates random variates from over 870 univariate distributions

Description

This code package provides a framework for generating random samples of univariate distribution functions. It has an Excel database that currently lists over 870 distributions, their parameters as well as references to source material. Using a GUI, users can select from any of these discrete or continuous distributions, specify parameter values and specify the number of samples desired. The program will graph the samples, the PDF/PMF, CDF and a histogram. These samples may also be saved to a user-named local file. The Excel database is readily extensible and a User Guide is included with the package.

Given that this is the author's first submission to Matlab Central as well as first attempt at a Matlab GUI and that there are just under 2000 files in this package, there are bound to be many bugs. The author welcomes any corrections, additions, comments or suggestions.

Acknowledgements

Special Functions Math Library, Gaussian Hypergeometric Function, Erfz, Special Functions.Zip, Generalized Hypergeometric Function, Smooth Differentiation, Computation Of Special Functions, Complex Scaled Complementary Error Function, Confluent Hypergeometric Function (Kummer Function), Gauss Hypergeometric Function, and Simpson's Rule For Numerical Integration inspired this file.

• Required Products: Statistics Toolbox; MATLAB
• MATLAB release: MATLAB 7.8 (R2009a)

[Eric Diaz]

With time, and some improvements, this could be a File Exchange treasure. Here is some good documentation on how to share data between workspaces, creating guis, program development.

http://www.mathworks.com/help/techdoc/matlab_prog/f10-60729.html

http://www.mathworks.com/help/techdoc/matlab_prog/f0-38068.html#f0-38470

http://www.mathworks.com/help/techdoc/creating_guis/f13-998449.html

http://www.mathworks.com/help/techdoc/creating_guis/f10-998580.html

http://www.mathworks.com/help/techdoc/matlab_prog/f10-60481.html

http://www.mathworks.com/help/techdoc/matlab_prog/f10-60352.html

[Eric Diaz]

I think Robert Howrd is being a bit harsh. This package definitely does not deserve 2 stars.

It is obviously the culmination of many years of work by the author and as such deserves much respect. So, I'm ok with having given one more rating of 5 stars to balance his 2 stars.

On the other hand, this could be an exceptionally excellent package, and it is unfortunately restricted from being so by some sub-par programming techniques, as mentioned above. So the overall rank should just be average right now.

[Eric Diaz]

I'd like to see less use of global variables in your programming of the GUI. It's very difficult to sort through what is causing the problems due to these. Also, I'm not sure, but I think it is generally frowned upon in application programming. It consumes more memory than needed at any given time.

Also, it appears that your reliance on xlsread is causing problems. xlsRead will call the excel server as part of it's internal program. However, not everyone has excel. In fact, I prefer to use the open source office suite called LibreOffice.

[Eric Diaz]

Could use some basic improvements.
1) Prepend package files to prevent naming conflicts
2) Update help documentation to reflect Matlab standards
3) GUI does seem to have some problems. A readme file would help guide the user.
Otherwise, an impressive collection.

[robert howrd]

GUI is too large for screen, plots do not show up and are cut off. No way to adjust. Not possible to use as is. GUI design needs much improvement. No README file.

[Eric Diaz]

Pretty awesome!

[Mike Sheppard]