Development Environment

What the Desktop Is

When you start MATLAB, the MATLAB desktop appears, containing tools (graphical user interfaces) for managing files, variables, and applications associated with MATLAB. Think of the desktop as your instrument panel for MATLAB. The main things you need to know about the desktop are

• Desktop Tools--All the tools managed by the desktop
• Configuring the Desktop--Arranging the tools in the desktop
• Common Desktop Features--Features you can use in many of the tools, such as context menus
• Setting Preferences--Setting options for the look and performance of desktop and other tools

The first time MATLAB starts, the desktop appears as shown in the following illustration.

Using the Desktop

Desktop Tools