Debugging MATLAB Scripts Like a Pro: Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Let's be frank: if you have written more than two MATLAB scripts in your life, you have probably encountered that dreaded error message way more than you want to admit. You write some code, hit Run, and then BAM! Nothing is working, and no error has been issued.

The good news is that debugging things in MATLAB does not always have to be painful. After you figure out what you are looking for, it can actually be somewhat fun. So let's go through some of the most common errors that control engineers (and students) make while programming in MATLAB, as well as some possible ways to fix them without having a meltdown.

1. Not Preallocating Arrays

This is a typical new user error. You write a for-loop that builds a vector or matrix, and MATLAB gets real slow on you, but there is no error message; just bad performance.

for i = 1:1000
    x(i) = i^2;
end

Technically, this works. But MATLAB has to resize the array on every loop iteration, and that gets expensive fast.

Fix it like this:

x = zeros(1, 1000);  % Preallocate
for i = 1:1000
    x(i) = i^2;
end

Pro tip: If your script feels slower than it should be, check for growing arrays inside loops.

2. Using = Instead of == in Conditionals

This one’s sneaky. You write an if statement and accidentally use = (assignment) instead of == (comparison).

if x = 5
    disp('x is 5');
end

MATLAB throws a syntax error immediately, but it’s still one of the most common logic bugs.

Fix:

if x == 5
    disp('x is 5');
end

Remember: = assigns a value. == checks for equality.

3. Forgetting to Clear Old Variables

MATLAB holds onto variables between runs. So if you define something once, it can stick around and mess with your next script, especially if variable names overlap.

Let’s say you defined a variable called n in one script and forgot about it. Now it’s interfering with a for loop that also uses n.

Fix:

Start your scripts with a clean slate.

clear all; clc;

Or, better yet:

clearvars; clc;

This clears the workspace without removing breakpoints.

4. Indexing from Zero

If you're coming from Python, C, or JavaScript, you're used to arrays starting at zero. Not in MATLAB. Here, array indexing starts at one.

x = [10 20 30];
disp(x(0));  % This will throw an error

Fix:

disp(x(1));  % First element

This mistake is especially common if you’re switching between languages.

5. Mismatched Matrix Dimensions

You try to multiply two matrices and MATLAB flips out about incompatible dimensions.

A = [1 2; 3 4];
B = [5 6];
C = A * B;  % Error

Fix:

Double-check dimensions with size() before you do any matrix math.

size(A)  % Returns 2x2
size(B)  % Returns 1x2

% Maybe you meant:
C = A * B';  % Transpose B to 2x1

If you're doing a lot of matrix math, make size() and ' (transpose) your go-to tools.

6. Not Using the Debugger

If you're adding 20 disp() calls just to figure out what's going wrong, there's a better way. Use MATLAB’s built-in debugger.

You can:

-Set breakpoints by clicking the margin next to a line number.
-Step through the code line by line.
-Inspect variable values as you go.
Or, drop this line into your code to pause execution:

keyboard

Once paused, you can run commands in the Command Window to investigate.

Trust me. Once you use the debugger, you'll never go back to printing everything manually.

7. Calling Functions That Don’t Exist

You call a function and get this lovely message: Undefined function or variable. This usually means:

• You forgot to add the file to your path.

• You misspelled the function name.

• You're calling a function that was deleted or renamed.

Fix:

Use the which command to see where MATLAB is looking.

which myFunction

If it says 'not found', you probably need to:

Fix the name.

Add the file’s directory using addpath.

Or double-check the function exists at all.

Final Thoughts

MATLAB can be a little quirky, especially if you’re switching between other languages or just starting out. But once you understand these common pitfalls, debugging becomes way less painful.

To recap:

• Preallocate your arrays.

• Use == for comparisons.

• Clear your workspace often.

• Index from one.

• Always check matrix sizes.

• Use the debugger.

And make sure your functions are where MATLAB expects them to be.

Once these habits stick, you'll find that debugging actually becomes kind of fun. Like solving a puzzle. A frustrating, algebra-covered puzzle, but still a puzzle.

Got your own MATLAB horror story? Drop it in the comments. Misery loves company.

Happy scripting.