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<p>Namely, you don’t normally compile your code into an executable in MATLAB. This, by nature, defines it as a scripting language. </p>
<p>Regardless of what people call it, learning it as a “programming language” is silly. Sure, it’s a great tool to know – as I’ve said I myself have done extensive work with it – but more to the topic of this thread, most industry professionals and academics are not going to use it like a conventional programming language. If you’re looking to get some “programming” experience that would be most relevant towards your career, learn something like C/C++ or Fortran.</p>
<p>Edit: And aibarr, I’ve actually yet to encounter someone that does call it a programming language, industry and academic alike.</p>