1.2.1: Clearing the Workspace, Readability Tips

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Clearing the workspace

Generally, it's a good idea to use the following code when starting a MATLAB session or script file:

format compact; % Don't insert blank lines on the console--saves screen space

clear all; % Remove all previously defined variables

close all; % Close all plots (figures)

clc; % Clear the console (screen)

Readability

This example shows that you don’t have to put in spaces between numbers and operators, but spaces help readability. Try these two expressions:

1+2+3+4+5+6

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6

Both expressions give the same answer.

These other arithmetic operators are clear:
2*3 - 4/5
2 raised to the 8th power is entered with the ^ symbol, called “caret”
2^8
The algebra order of operations is applied in MATLAB instructions.
Use parentheses when you need a different order of operations.
Parentheses can help readability even when not required.
2*(3-4)/5