Installing Matlab on Linux

Any ideas how to install Matlab on linux? Shall I do it using the linux version ? I've heard it has a lot of bugs. Or shall I go for the windows version and use wine? Thanks!!!!

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

The only Linux-specific bugs I can think of at the moment have to do with using Fedora (but not ubuntu), and have to do with changing fonts or fontsize in graphics. I do not recall at the moment exact which version that started in.

Oh yes, yesterday there was a report that on some linux systems swap space might perhaps not be used.

I am running 2008b on Ubuntu 10.0.4, and I have not encountered any substantial Linux-specific MATLAB bugs. (I have seen a Linux bug in the OpenGL graphics driver on some remote desktops, but that's not MATLAB's fault.)

[Daniel Shub]

@Walter, in regards to fonts, I believe I had the same problem in Arch that was seen in Fedora. I found the packages that fix it in Arch, so I wouldn't call it a MATLAB bug.

[Alex Antrobus]

@Daniel Shub I'm getting various font-related errors when I plot figures with MATLAB R2021 on Fedora 34. Any chance you can point me some guidance on fixing this? Thanks.

Answer 2

[Daniel Shub]

I also have not encountered any substantial Linux specific bugs (Debian, Ubuntu, and Arch). If I recall, installation on Debian and Ubuntu was trivial and didn't require any additional packages beyond the standard install. Installation on Arch required a few extra packages. My Arch installation initially had the issues with fonts that Walter referred to. This was solved by installing the correct font packages.

Answer 3

[Gerrik Labra]

I am in the same boat. Bought a new google pixel book just for linux beta. The other term for it is Debian. So far, it doesn't come with a C compiler, which is an issue. Nor does it like going through the home router to find ssh key. Troubles, troubles. Can at least add it to my resume.

[Gerrik Labra]

Matlab 2020B. I installed it, no problems so far

[Gerrik Labra]

You have to unzip the matlab download, and install a "gnome panel".

Use the following: $ sudo apt-get install gnome-panel

You can do this in any directory.

This will allow a matlab window to pop up for google chromebook machines, that use Linux Debian. All later versions of chromebook run Linux Debian.

Next,

$ ./install

when in matlab directory. If you type "ls" into the command line in the terminal window and it comes back with file names like "Matlab window, bin, java" you are in the correct directory.

If MATLAB window pops up, it works. Follow the installation procedure.

Oh, and make sure to manage your storage space in settings. MATLAB needs 12 gigs roughly.

[Gerrik Labra]

Additionally, going to want to update your "packages", and install a C compiler. According to MATLAB, use GNU 8.x. Mirrors don't work exactly. Dont know what they are, but came preinstalled with Debian.

$sudo apt update

-This will tell you what will be updated

$sudo apt upgrade

-This will upgrade everything.

To install C compiler for matlab

$ sudo apt install builder-essential