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

I have successfully ported some linear regression and quadratic programming applications to Octave.

The linear regression (backslash operator) worked without any adjustment. In case of quadratic programming I had to switch from fmincon() to sqp(), giving similar results.

Still, the toolboxes and GUI in Octave are, indeed, less mature (I spent so much time on basic stuff), although it has been rapidly making progress over the past two years.