User`s manual

6 Importing and Exporting Data
6-2
You can use MAT-files, the data file format MATLAB uses for saving data to
disk, to import data to and export data from the MATLAB environment.
MAT-files provide a convenient mechanism for moving your MATLAB data
between different platforms in a highly portable manner. In addition, they
provide a means to import and export your data to other stand-alone MATLAB
applications.
To simplify your use of MAT-files in applications outside of MATLAB, we
provide a library of access routines that you can use in your own C or Fortran
programs to read and write MAT-files. Programs that access MAT-files also use
the
mx API routines discussed in this book.
The following list summarizes the contents of this chapter:
•“Using MAT-Files”
•“Examples of MAT-Files”
•“Compiling and Linking MAT-File Programs”
For additional information and support in building your applications, see the
section entitled, “Additional Information” on page 1-42.