Python vs Matlab: Which One Is the Best Language

python-vs-matlab

Nowadays, Python vs Matlab is a major concern. The world is becoming more scientific and statistics-oriented. That’s the reason scientific computing environments are getting more popular over the past decade. These environments provide more flexibility to scientists and engineers. 

Moreover, both programming languages are listed among the top 20 programming languages in the world. The below graph shows the popularity of both programming languages. Apart from this, we can see that the trend of Matlab has decreased. But still, Matlab is able to hold the position among the top 20 programming languages.

Like no other programming language in the world. These languages are offering a powerful toolbox along with the simplest command languages. The most remarkable thing about these programming languages is that you can easily visualize whatever you compute in these languages. Today I am going to share with you the major difference between Python vs Matlab.

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What is Python?

Python is a general-purpose programming language. You can run Python on any platform. It means Python is platform-independent. It is offering the most straightforward syntax, which means you can code easily within this programming language.

Apart from that, if someone other than works on your Python code, then they can easily read and append the code. It is the most significant language of the past decade, and you need to write a few lines of code as compared with Java and C++ to perform any task. ( Python Coding Help )

Python is written in portable ANSI C. So that you compile and run the code on any operating system, including Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and many more. It works similarly on all the platforms. Python allows you the flexibility to code in a mixed environment.  

Python is a high-level programming language, and it is very similar to MATLAB. It provides dynamic typing and automatic memory management; as I mentioned earlier, Python offers the most straightforward syntax. It means that you can easily convert your ideas into a coding language.

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If you have Python’s free license, you will get the libraries, lists, and dictionaries. It helps you to achieve unlimited goals in a well-organized way. It also works with a variety of modules that help you to start quickly with Python. 

Advantages of Python:

  • Execution by end-to-end development.
  • Open-source packages( Pandas, Numpy, Scipy).
  • Packages of Trading(zipline, Pybacktest, Pyalgotrade).
  • Most prominent language for general programming and application development.
  • Can work with other languages to connect R, C++, and others (Python).
  • Fastest general-purpose language, especially in iterative loops.Fastest general speed, especially in iterative loops.

Disadvantages of Python:

  • Immature trading packages.
  • All packages are not compatible with each other smaller communities as compared with other languages.
  • Python is Slow at Runtime.

What is Matlab?

MATLAB is a high-level programming language. MATLAB stands for Matrix Laboratory. That’s why it is considered the powerful technical language for mathematical programming.

It is offering the best mathematical and graphical packages along with various built-in tools for problem-solving. You can also develop the graphics illustrations using MATLAB. MATLAB is one of the oldest programming languages in the world. It was developed in the late 1970s by Cleve Moler.

Some experts also consider it as a successor of FORTON. In the early days of MATLAB, it was an interfacing software for easy access to Forton libraries for numerical computing without the help of FORTON.

In the year 1983, the GUI version of MATLAB was introduced by John Little, Cleve Moler, and Steve Bangert. After rewriting the MATLAB code in C in the year 1984, to the formation of MathWorks. Nowadays, MATLAB has become the standard for data analysis, numerical analysis, and graphical visualization.

Advantages of Matlab:

  • Fastest computational and mathematical platform. 
  • Primarily linear matrix algebra packages for all fields of mathematics and trading at the commercial level.
  • Integration of all packages with a concise script.
  • Most effective and stunning visualisation of plots and interactive charts
  • As a commercial product, it is well tested and supported providing multi-threaded support and garbage collection effectively.

Disadvantages of Matlab:

  • Matlab is an interpreted language and hence it takes more time to execute.
  • Impossible to Can execute – for execution, you must translate it into another language.
  • The problem of integration is solved with other languages.
  • It is quite hard to detect biases in trading systems. For this, extensive testing is required.
  • Iterative loops perform worse in MATLAB.
  •  Not capable of developing stand-alone applications.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Python vs Matlab

ParametersPythonMatlab
DefinitionPython is a high-level and general-purpose programming language. It has a data type and numeric arrays.MATLAB is one of the high-performance languages used for technical computing. Moreover, it is a Math and Matrix-oriented language.
BenefitsBeneficial for Open source and community development as it has extensive libraries.Matlab enables its users to test algorithms directly.
UsagePython is used for web programming such as Google App Engine, Zope, and so on.MATLAB enables the plotting of data and functions, matrix manipulations, and creation of user interfaces.
ExistenceIt was created by the Python software foundation In 1991.Matlab’s basic version came in the year 1970.
PerformancePython is used to perform high-performance linear algebra, statistics, and graphics.To improve its performance, the user needs to install, compile, validate, and adopt developer-oriented add-ons.
LibraryIt has a large standard library.The standard library of Matlab does not include generic programming functionality.
Embedded Code GenerationPython does not have automatic code generation features and is comprehensive for embedded systems.MATLAB code creates portable c/c++ code that is easily readable.
Real-time supportPhone support and personalized email.Matlab does not have any personalized real-time support.
IndexingPython uses 0-based indexing which means Python array indexing starts from 0.Matlab uses 1-based indexing that means the array indexing in Matlab starts from 1.
UI DevelopmentPython does not provide interactive UI development platforms.Matlab provides interactive UI development platforms.
FunctionalityPython is more readable and expressive than Matlab script.Matlab offers more comprehensive numerical functionalities.
Graphics dependencyThe graphics of Python depends on the external packages.Matlab offers more graphical capabilities than Python.

Comparison Between Python vs Matlab

Language Used in Python and Matlab 

I mentioned earlier that Python is developed in portable ANSI C. It is a general-purpose programming language. We use Python to develop various computer applications and software tools.

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There is no need to worry about whether the Python program will run on your system or not. You can run the Python program on all the platforms because it has the same libraries, even in a mixed environment.

MATLAB is entirely more professional than Python. It is used for commercial maths, and it is considered the best mathematics programming language. MATLAB is also developed in C.

It also offers a specialized toolbox that helps you test several tests on scientific and scientific engineering applications. Matlab also has a more comprehensive numerical functionality as compared with Python because MATLAB is based on mathematics. 

Libraries 

Python is full of various libraries that allow you the freedom to do more than enough with Python. Python libraries will enable you to do multiple things such as create web services, download the file, comparison of data only with the help of a few line codes.

The Python libraries are well focused on the general-purpose programming language. It also contains some modules for operating systems. That can control the operating system functionality such as threading, networking, databases, etc.

On the other hand, MATLAB doesn’t provide robust libraries. It offers the standard library with sturdy toolboxes to solve complex and straightforward mathematics problems without any hassle. 

Environment 

The reason to compare Python vs. Minitab is the similarity between these two languages. Both of these languages are simple to use. There is no need for the declaration of variables, user-friendly GUI, and many more features that are similar.

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But when we talked about the developing environment, MATLAB is far away from Python. Python provides an entirely open environment and works with the integration of other external tools.

On the other hand, MATLAB is specially designed for mathematics functions. It is used for numerical analysis, graphical visualization, signal processing, etc. MATLAB is also platform-independent; it means you can run the same program on any platform. 

Indexing 

Indexing is used in the array. Like other programming languages Python also supports 0-based indexing. It provides the flexibility to work with C, C++, and Java. In 0-based indexing, the array initiates from 0 rather than 1. You can also index the array using the negative numbers, which makes the algorithms in Python easier than ever.

On the other hand, MATLAB supports one-based indexing, which is quite helpful in vectors and matrices. But it is not familiar with other programming languages. 

Performance of Python vs Matlab

Python is far better than MATLAB in terms of performance. Python is more expressive and also readable than Matlab. For solving significant scale problems, the Python libraries become sophisticated for writing CGI scripts and utility programs. 

MATLAB provides more reliable graphical capabilities than Python because graphics relies on external packages.

Is there any scope for both programming languages?

Yes, there is!!

The below graph shows that python programming languages have had high demand over the years. That is why it is quite useful to learn. But it doesn’t mean that Matlab is not useful. Apart from this, you should understand the main objective and reason why you want to learn any or both of these.

Once you have a clear idea and objective, you can move to these languages without worrying about the scope of the languages in the future. It is seen that Python’s scope keeps on increasing, and Matlab may or may not be used as much. But still, Matlab can be included in the top 20 programming languages list.

Do Python and Matlab skills help in getting a high salary package?

Off course!!

Python is the topmost programming language that offers a high salary package. Although Matlab does not lack behind, it also helps in getting a handsome salary package. 

Therefore, if you are bothered about the salary packages, do not worry. Both programming language skills can help you to get your dream job and dream salary.  

Moreover, the salary package can vary as per your experience. That means the more you have experience; the more will the salary package. Below is the graph that helps you to analyze how much pay you can get as per your experience.

Which company(ies) use the Python and Matlab programming languages?

Python Matlab
UberAMD
NetflixButterfly network
GoogleDoubleslash
InstagramAI and Robotics Ventures
PinterestMMC
StackshareLeap motion
RedditWalter
TinderSolcast
TrivagoScilab
BlablacarBloomlife
Delivery heroEquinor
SpotifyDiffbot
DropboxVolvo cars
AccentureAnki
DoordashGTBM

List of tools that integrate with Python and Matlab

Python Matlab
PyCharmOctave
SentryRapidMiner
DatadogDynamo
AuthOHEFLO
FlaskPlotly.js
CircleCIStan
Rollbarggplot2
PandasSketchUp

How can I learn about Python and Matlab?

It is known to all that Python and Matlab are both the easiest programming languages to learn. That is why beginners can easily learn both languages on their own. Moreover, you can join the Python and Matlab communities to get the best solutions for your programming queries.

List of best books to learn Python and Matlab

Python Matlab
Best Python Book for Beginners: Python Crash CourseMATLAB Programming for Engineers
Learning Python, 5th EditionMATLAB Programming: Mathematical Problem Solutions
Head-First Python (2nd edition)MATLAB for Engineers
Learn Python in One Day and Learn It Well (2nd Edition)Matlab: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving
Python for Beginners: Learn Python Programming With No Coding Experience in 7 DaysMATLAB For Beginners: A Gentle Approach
Learning with Python: How to Think Like a Computer ScientistEssential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists
Best Free Python Book: A Byte of PythonProgramming and Engineering Computing with MATLAB 2019
Introduction to Machine Learning with Python: A Guide for Data ScientistsPractical MATLAB Deep Learning: A Project-Based Approach

List of online Python and Matlab communities

Several websites have Python and Matlab communities, which help beginners learn and clear their doubts about Matlab and Python. Some of these websites that provide Python and Matlab community are:

  • Programiz.
  • Stack Exchange.
  • Reddit.
  • StackOverflow.
  • Quora.
  • GeeksforGeeks.

Summary of Python Vs Matlab

Now you get the idea about both languages. We have gone through the best comparison between Python vs Matlab. Both of them are high-level programming languages.

We use them for both science and engineering work. In the end, we can say that Matlab is a programming language for scientists and engineers who work in the computing environment.

On the other hand, Python is a general-purpose language to develop web and apps. It is also playing a crucial role in data science. Python is even more readable as compared with MATLAB. But when we talk about the large-scale problem, then undoubtedly MALAB is more convenient than Python. Now it is over to you which one works best for you Python vs Matlab. Also, if you are stuck doing Matlab code or homework then get the best Matlab code help and Matlab homework from our experts at very affordable charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Python better than Matlab?

MATLAB has the most straightforward and productive computing environment for scientists and engineers. MATLAB is the top programming language dedicated to technical and mathematical computing. On the other hand, Python is a general-purpose programming language.

Is Python easier to learn than MATLAB?

With the increasing popularity of AI and Machine Learning, Python is light years ahead of Matlab. Mostly all major frameworks are based on python:
1. Tensorflow
2. PyTorch
3. Keras
4. Scikit-learn
Moreover, all AI research is made using these frameworks. So, as a result, Python is easier than Matlab.