# matlab-mode

> major mode for editing Matlab source code under GNU Emacs

**Wikidata**: [Q133962918](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133962918)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matlab-mode

## Summary
`matlab-mode` is a major mode for editing MATLAB source code in GNU Emacs, providing syntax highlighting, code navigation, and integration with MATLAB's numerical computing environment. It is distributed as free software under the GNU Project and is maintained by developers like Eric M. Ludlam and Uwe Brauer.

## Key Facts
- A major mode for GNU Emacs, specifically designed for editing MATLAB source code.
- Part of the GNU Project, distributed under free software terms.
- Uses Emacs Lisp as its programming language.
- Available as a GNU ELPA package since December 8, 2024.
- Maintained by Eric M. Ludlam and Uwe Brauer.
- Distributed via GNU ELPA and MELPA.
- Runs on GNU Emacs and BSD-based systems.
- Copyrighted by The MathWorks, Inc.
- Latest stable version is 7.3.0, released on November 12, 2025.
- Official repository hosted on GitHub under the MathWorks organization.

## FAQs
### Q: What is `matlab-mode` used for?
A: `matlab-mode` is a major mode for GNU Emacs that provides syntax highlighting, code navigation, and integration with MATLAB's numerical computing environment, making it easier to edit and work with MATLAB source code.

### Q: Is `matlab-mode` free software?
A: Yes, `matlab-mode` is distributed as free software under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions.

### Q: Who maintains `matlab-mode`?
A: `matlab-mode` is maintained by Eric M. Ludlam and Uwe Brauer, with contributions from the broader GNU Project community.

### Q: How do I install `matlab-mode`?
A: `matlab-mode` can be installed via GNU ELPA or MELPA, or directly from its GitHub repository. It is also available as a package in various Linux distributions, including Debian and Ubuntu.

### Q: What programming language is `matlab-mode` written in?
A: `matlab-mode` is written in Emacs Lisp, the dialect of Lisp used in GNU Emacs.

## Why It Matters
`matlab-mode` plays a crucial role in the MATLAB ecosystem by providing a seamless editing experience within GNU Emacs. As a free software project, it empowers users to customize and extend its functionality to suit their needs. Its integration with MATLAB's numerical computing environment enhances productivity for developers and researchers who rely on MATLAB for scientific and engineering applications. By being part of the GNU Project, `matlab-mode` aligns with the principles of free software, ensuring accessibility and community-driven development. Its availability across multiple platforms and package managers makes it a versatile tool for the Emacs user community.

## Notable For
- One of the first major modes for MATLAB editing in GNU Emacs.
- Actively maintained with frequent updates and bug fixes.
- Available in multiple package repositories, including GNU ELPA, MELPA, and Linux distributions.
- Supports both GNU Emacs and BSD-based systems.
- Copyrighted by The MathWorks, Inc., ensuring alignment with MATLAB's official ecosystem.
- Regularly updated with new features and improvements, with the latest stable version being 7.3.0.

## Body
### Overview
`matlab-mode` is a major mode for GNU Emacs designed to facilitate the editing of MATLAB source code. It provides syntax highlighting, code navigation, and integration with MATLAB's numerical computing environment, making it a valuable tool for developers and researchers.

### Development and Distribution
- Developed as part of the GNU Project, `matlab-mode` is distributed under free software terms.
- Maintained by Eric M. Ludlam and Uwe Brauer, with contributions from the broader GNU Project community.
- Available as a GNU ELPA package since December 8, 2024.
- Distributed via GNU ELPA and MELPA, as well as various Linux package managers.

### Technical Details
- Written in Emacs Lisp, the dialect of Lisp used in GNU Emacs.
- Supports both GNU Emacs and BSD-based systems.
- Copyrighted by The MathWorks, Inc., ensuring alignment with MATLAB's official ecosystem.
- Regularly updated with new features and improvements, with the latest stable version being 7.3.0, released on November 12, 2025.

### Installation and Usage
- Can be installed via GNU ELPA or MELPA, or directly from its GitHub repository.
- Available as a package in various Linux distributions, including Debian and Ubuntu.
- Provides syntax highlighting, code navigation, and integration with MATLAB's numerical computing environment.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "matlab-mode",
  "description": "A major mode for GNU Emacs designed for editing MATLAB source code.",
  "url": "https://github.com/mathworks/Emacs-MATLAB-Mode",
  "sameAs": ["https://elpa.gnu.org/packages/matlab-mode.html"],
  "applicationCategory": "ProgrammingTool",
  "operatingSystem": ["GNU Emacs", "BSD"],
  "programmingLanguage": "Emacs Lisp",
  "license": "Free Software",
  "datePublished": "2024-12-08",
  "softwareVersion": "7.3.0",
  "maintainer": ["Eric M. Ludlam", "Uwe Brauer"],
  "copyrightHolder": "The MathWorks, Inc."
}

## References

1. [Source](https://elpa.gnu.org/packages/matlab-mode.html)
2. [Source](https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/emacs/elpa.git/tree/matlab.el?h=externals/matlab-mode)
3. [Source](https://github.com/mathworks/Emacs-MATLAB-Mode/releases/tag/matlab-mode-6.2)
4. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 6.3. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-12/msg00018.html)
5. [Source](https://github.com/mathworks/Emacs-MATLAB-Mode/blob/default/NEWS.org#release-700-sep-12-2025)
6. [Source](https://github.com/mathworks/Emacs-MATLAB-Mode/blob/default/NEWS.org#release-701-sep-13-2025)
7. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.1.0. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-09/msg00058.html)
8. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.1.1. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-10/msg00000.html)
9. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.1.2. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-10/msg00039.html)
10. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.2.0. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-10/msg00059.html)
11. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.2.1. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-10/msg00063.html)
12. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.3.0. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00036.html)
13. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.3.1. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00044.html)
14. [Release 7.4.0. 2025](https://github.com/mathworks/Emacs-MATLAB-Mode/releases/tag/matlab-mode-7.4.0)
15. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.4.0. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00077.html)
16. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.3.2. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00061.html)
17. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.3.3. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00068.html)
18. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.3.4. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00073.html)
19. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.4.1. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00078.html)
20. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 7.4.2. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-12/msg00058.html)
21. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.0.0. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-01/msg00098.html)
22. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.0.1. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-01/msg00100.html)
23. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.0.2. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-02/msg00000.html)
24. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.0.3. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-02/msg00011.html)
25. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.0.4. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-02/msg00016.html)
26. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.0.5. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-02/msg00035.html)
27. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.1.0. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-02/msg00049.html)
28. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.1.1. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-02/msg00061.html)
29. [[GNU ELPA] Matlab-Mode version 8.1.2. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-03/msg00043.html)
30. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/source/trixie/matlab-mode)