ABSTRACT
In Chapter 2, we considered the main elements of a computer program, including the algorithm, programming language, and code development. Commercially available software, as well as computer programs that are available in the public domain, were discussed. It was mentioned that, in recent years, MATLAB® has become the most frequently used software for solving mathematical equations that arise in scienti˜c and engineering problems. It provides a convenient and user-friendly environment to enter input data and obtain results in desired graphical, tabulated, or digital form. Fortran, which was probably the most common programming language used for engineering applications in the past and which continues to be important even today, C++, and other high-level programming languages are also frequently used for a variety of engineering systems. In many cases, programs in these languages and computed results are coupled with MATLAB programs for employing many attractive features, such as graphics and optimization, available in MATLAB.
