In MATLAB, scripts and functions are two primary ways to write and execute code. Understanding the differences between them and knowing when to use each is crucial for efficient programming.

• Scripts are files containing a sequence of MATLAB commands. They are saved with a .m extension and do not accept input arguments or return output arguments.

• Global Scope: Variables created in a script are stored in the base workspace and can be accessed from the command window or other scripts.
• No Input/Output Arguments: Scripts do not take input arguments or return output values.
• Sequential Execution: Commands in a script are executed in the order they appear.

• This script defines two variables a and b, calculates their sum, and displays the result.

• For simple tasks that do not require input arguments or return values.
• For quick calculations or data analysis.
• When you need to run a sequence of commands interactively.

• Functions are files that can accept input arguments and return output arguments. They are also saved with a .m extension but have a specific structure.

• Local Scope: Variables created within a function are local to that function and do not affect the base workspace.
• Input/Output Arguments: Functions can accept multiple input arguments and return multiple output values.
• Modularity: Functions promote code reuse and modularity.

• This function add_numbers takes two input arguments a and b, calculates their sum, and returns the result c.

• For tasks that require input arguments and return values.
• For creating reusable code blocks.
• For complex calculations or operations that need to be encapsulated.

Create a script and a function to calculate the area of a rectangle. The script should prompt the user for the length and width, while the function should perform the calculation.

Script: calculate_area_script.m

Function: calculate_area.m

• The script calculate_area_script.m prompts the user for the length and width of the rectangle, calls the function calculate_area, and displays the result.
• The function calculate_area.m takes the length and width as input arguments, calculates the area, and returns it.

• Mixing Variable Scopes: Using the same variable names in scripts and functions can lead to confusion due to different scopes.
• Not Using Functions for Reusability: Avoid writing repetitive code in scripts; instead, encapsulate it in functions.

• Use Functions for Modularity: Break down complex tasks into smaller functions to improve code readability and maintainability.
• Test Functions Independently: Test functions with different input values to ensure they work correctly before integrating them into scripts.

Understanding the differences between scripts and functions in MATLAB is essential for writing efficient and modular code. Scripts are useful for simple, sequential tasks, while functions provide a way to create reusable and modular code blocks. By mastering both, you can enhance your MATLAB programming skills and tackle a wide range of problems effectively.