what is the ebst way to learn analytical Plotting

Hey. I just started on MatLab, and I was wondering if any of you have good courses or tips on how to become good at analytical coding for physics, and data analasys.

Answer 1

[Umar]

Hi @Gabriel Anton,

To become proficient in MATLAB for analytical coding in physics and data analysis, consider the following structured approach:

1. Foundational Courses

• Online Platforms: Websites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses specifically tailored to MATLAB. Look for courses such as:
• MATLAB Onramp (Free) - A beginner-friendly introduction directly from MathWorks.
• Introduction to Programming with MATLAB (Coursera) - Focuses on fundamental programming concepts using MATLAB.
• University Resources: Many universities provide free access to course materials. MIT's OpenCourseWare, for instance, has resources on computational physics that utilize MATLAB.

2. Books and Texts

• MATLAB for Engineers" by Holly Moore: This book covers practical applications of MATLAB in engineering contexts, which can be beneficial for understanding how to apply coding techniques analytically.
• MATLAB: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving by Stormy Attaway**: A great resource that provides clear examples and exercises.

3. Practice Projects

• Start with simple projects such as simulating physical systems (e.g., projectile motion) or analyzing datasets (e.g., using built-in functions to perform statistical analyses).
• Explore the MATLAB Central File Exchange, where you can find user-submitted scripts and functions that can inspire your projects.

4. Engagement with Community

• Join forums like the MATLAB Answers community or Stack Overflow where you can ask questions and learn from others’ experiences.
• Participate in local or online study groups focusing on MATLAB applications in physics and data analysis.

5. Utilize Built-in Functions

• Familiarize yourself with MATLAB’s extensive library of built-in functions for mathematical computations, data visualization, and statistical analysis. For instance:
• Use fft() for Fast Fourier Transform to analyze frequency components of signals.
• Leverage fit() for curve fitting data analysis.

Here are some useful additional insights that can help you further

• Data Analysis Techniques: As you progress, delve into more advanced topics such as machine learning with MATLAB's Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox. This will enable you to handle larger datasets effectively.
• Visualization Skills: Mastering graphical representations of data is crucial. Learn to use functions like `plot()`, `surf()`, and `histogram()` to visualize your results clearly.
• Version Control: Consider using GitHub for version control of your projects. This will not only help in managing code but also showcase your work to potential employers or collaborators.

By following this structured approach, engaging with the community, and consistently practicing your skills through projects, you will become adept at analytical coding in MATLAB for both physics applications and data analysis.

Good luck on your learning journey!

[John D'Errico]

Good answer by @Umar. I kind of wish it was an answer, so I could upvote it.

At the same time, there is no best way to learn something like this. First, we all learn a bit differently. Some learn best by reading texts. Others learn by doing. Others prefer being taught, by a good teacher, or a good mentor/advisor.

Next, there are MANY different skills involved in what you want to learn. There are coding skills. And good coding itself involves many different skills. Good coding is not about just writing the most efficient code. And even then, efficient code for a small problem is not always the same code as that which will be efficient on a larger scale. Cood coding is about writing code that can be read. It is about writing code that is robust to problems. I can go on forever here, but I need to stop at some point.

Next, you talk about learning to solve physics problems. There it first means learning physics. But also learning how to translate a real world problem into a mathematical entity that can be worked with in MATLAB. And that is indeed an important skill. When you get to the point where you really understand physics, then to a large extent, it becomes easier to translate that understanding into a mathematical model you can work with in MATLAB. To do that though, you will also need to understand MATLAB, and understand it well, and how computing and computers work.

Finally, you mention data analysis. This will require often some understanding of statistics. The depth of your understanding will influence your skill at using the tools in MATLAB to perform data analysis. And there are many subfields that COULD prove useful to your work. We might consider time series modeling, Fourier series, experimental design, estimation techniques like regression, etc. Again, I can go on forever there.

And no best way to learn any of the above things. Experience will help greatly. Being exposed to people with skills in these areas, reading the advice they can offer, asking questions, all are good tools to learn. And this is why forums like Answers, but also others will be valuable. I'd suggest, if you want to learn these topics, you might start reading forums like Answers, but also on sites like StackExchange, where you can find physics forums, statistics forums, etc.

Alternatively, consider course work in the areas that interest you. There are even online sites where you can expand your skills in these areas.

In the end, it takes time. It takes dedication. I recall the old rule about 10000 hours. That may be a decent measure of how much time it may take to develop true expertise, in any field. (By the way, a true expert never stops learning.) And the number is itself not exact of course, but merely a rough measure of the work you will need to put in. And the more time you invest, the more dedication you invest, the better you will be at all of the above skills.

[Umar]

Hi @ John D'Errico,

Thanks for the compliment. You are absolutely correct that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Each person has unique preferences and strengths, whether it be through reading, hands-on experience, or guided instruction from a mentor. Recognizing and embracing these differences can significantly enhance our collective understanding and growth.

Answer 2

[Image Analyst]

Here is the link we usually give:

Best way(s) to master MATLAB? - MATLAB Answers - MATLAB Central

Lots of ideas in tthe above link.

To learn fundamental concepts, invest 2 hours of your time here:

MATLAB Academy - Free 2 hour training