Scilab tutorial

Scilab is a software for numerical mathematics and scientific visualization. It is capable of interactive calculations as well as automation of computations through programming. It provides all basicoperations on matrices through built-in functions so that the trouble of developing and testing code for basic operations are completely avoided. Its ability to plot 2D and 3D graphs helps invisualizing the data we work with. All these make Scilab an excellent tool for teaching, especially those subjects that involve matrix operations. Further, the numerous toolboxes that are available forvarious specialized applications make it an important tool for research. Being compatible with Matlab®, all available Matlab M-files can be directly used in Scilab. Scicos, a hybrid dynamic systems modelerand simulator for Scilab, simplifies simulations. The greatest features of Scilab are that it is multi-platform and is free. It is available for many operating systems including Windows, Linux andMacOS X. More information about the features of Scilab are given in the Introduction.
Scilab can help a student understand all intermediate steps in solving even complicated problems, as easily asusing a calculator. In fact, it is a calculator that is capable of matrix algebra computations. Once the student is sure of having mastered the steps, they can be converted into functions and wholeproblems can be solved by simply calling a few functions. Scilab is an invaluable tool as solved problems need not be restricted to simple examples to suit hand calculations.
Scilab is the outcome of yearsof development and continues to be improved and developed. Having a rich set of features and being in wide use, its developers could very well have chosen to commercialize it. But they have chosen tomake it a 'free' software. Free, as in 'free of cost' as well as in 'freedom', because the source code is also available for those who wish to modify and improve it. You can visit the following...