MATLAB 2013 VS. MATLAB 2009

I have ''Introduction to MATLAB for Engineers'', third edition by William J. Palm III. However, this book is based on MATLAB version 7.9 (R2009b); but on amazon.com, only MATLAB 2013 and MATLAB 2011 are available for purchase. Therefore, I would like know if MATLAB 2013 is essentially the same as MATLAB 2009, such that the basic controls and functions of it are the same, so that Palm's book will be sufficiently applicable and relevant to MATLAB 2013? That is,is MATLAB 2013 similar enough to MATLAB R2009b such that practicing with MATLAB 2013 will allow me to directly improve my proficiency with MATLAB R2009b? Thanks.

[Walter Roberson]

When I look on amazon.com I do see R2013a Student Version http://www.amazon.com/MATLAB-Simulink-Student-Version-R2013a/dp/0982583885/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388717359&sr=8-2&keywords=matlab "Sold by Mathworks and fulfilled by Amazon". The price there is the same as you would pay buying directly from Mathworks. You will need proof of Student status in order to activate the license.

All the other entries I looked at were of dubious license status. Any of the ones marked "used" are not transferable to you for sure. I did see some marked as new in shrink wrap, at prices up to 4 times what you would send from Mathworks directly. You would still need proof of student status to activate at the best of times. If the dealers are not authorized resellers, then I do not know if Mathworks would allow you to activate at all even if the disk was authentic and the license had never been activated.

Before buying I recommend you check with Mathworks Sales to be sure you will be allowed to activate if you purchase.

Answer 1

[Wayne King]

Yes, I think you can safely use R2013 or R2011. For a basic introduction I don't believe you will find any significant difference.