Why/when should I prefer MATLAB over Octave?

Question

In our shoestring operation we need to prototype algorithms in some higher-level language before committing to a C implementation on embedded hardware.

So far we hav

Answer 1

You should definitely prefer Matlab to Octave if you can afford it.

I have not had much experience with Octave, but I would expect issues if your code is using Matlab toolboxes, fancy plots, or Matlab gui.

I would expect it to be like OpenOffice vs. MS Office. Mostly compatible, but just different enough to give you a headache.