[Numpy-discussion] matlab vs. python question
Nadav Horesh
nadavh at visionsense.com
Thu Apr 26 02:52:27 EDT 2007
Beside proper programing paradigm Python easily scales to large-scale number crunching: You can run large-matrices calculations with about 1/2 to 1/4 of memory consumption comparing to Matlab. It is not difficult to construct a program that run over several computers (independent of the hardware and OS they have). If you are willing to invest a little time in software integration you'll have an access to powerful computing packages such as VTK, OpenCV, etc.
Nadav.
-----Original Message-----
From: numpy-discussion-bounces at scipy.org on behalf of Christopher Barker
Sent: Wed 25-Apr-07 20:24
To: Discussion of Numerical Python
Cc:
Subject: Re: [Numpy-discussion] matlab vs. python question
Neal Becker wrote:
> I'm interested in this comparison
There have got to be comparison's on the web -- google away!
My few comments:
> I happened to look on the matlab vendor's
> website, and found that it does have classes.
Matlab added classes in a fairly recent version, so technically, yes, it
does support OO. However, OO aside, Python is, in many ways, are far
more sophisticated and capable language. It is better suited to larger
projects, and well suited to wide variety of software development,
rather than just numerical work. Indeed, python+numpy supports more
sophisticated numerical work too (more data types, etc).
So, my reasons for using python+numpy (I did my entire dissertation with
Matlab -- I loved it at the time):
* Better, more flexible language.
* I can use it for other things I do: web programming, sophisticated
GUIs, etc.
* It integrates well with lots of other libraries
* It's free: both $$ and libre
What's better about Matlab:
* A wider selection of out-of-the-box numerical routines.
* Excellent integration of command-line and plotting.
In short, $$ and freedom aside, I think Matlab provides a slightly more
productive environment for interactive experimentation and quickie
prototypes and scripts, but much less productive for larger projects, or
for people that need to do non-numerical work too.
just my $0.2
-Chris
--
Christopher Barker, Ph.D.
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Chris.Barker at noaa.gov
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