How to install MATLAB on Ubuntu 18.04 Bionic Beaver Linux

Objective

This article will provide reader with step by step instructions on how to install Matlab on Ubuntu 18.04 Bionic Beaver Linux.

Operating System and Software Versions

• Operating System: – Ubuntu 18.04 Bionic Beaver Linux
• Software: – MATLAB R2018a or higher

Requirements

Privileged access to your Ubuntu System as root or via sudo command is required.

Conventions

• # – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command
• $ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user

Other Versions of this Tutorial

Ubuntu 20.04 (focal fossa)

Preparations

Before you begin please note that this guide assumes that you have already downloaded the Matlab installation package for the Linux operating system and save it into the ~/Downloads directory.

Open up terminal and confirm that matlab_R20XXa_glnxa64.zip is located within your ~/Downloads directory:

$ ls ~/Downloads/
matlab_R2018a_glnxa64.zip

Next, create a destination /usr/local/MATLAB/R2018a/ directory for the Matlab installation.

$ sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/MATLAB/R2018a/

Now you are ready to unzip the Matlab installation package.

Unzip Matlab

Navigate to your ~/Downloads directory and create a new temporary matlab directory to store the content of the matlab_R20XXa_glnxa64.zip file:

$ cd Downloads
$ mkdir matlab

While still in the ~/Downloads directory use the unzip command to extract the content of the matlab_R20XXa_glnxa64.zip file into the previously created ~/Downloads/matlab directory:

$ unzip -q matlab_R2018a_glnxa64.zip -d matlab 

The content of the matlab_R20XXa_glnxa64.zip file should now be located within the ~/Downloads/matlab directory.

Install Matlab on Ubuntu

At this stage we are ready to start the Matlab installer wizard:

$ cd matlab
$ sudo ./install

Select which installation method you wish to perform. If you do not have File installation Key choose Log in.

Matlab License Agreement.

Create MathWorks account or provide Login credentials.

Select your license.

If you followed this guide from the beginning, than leave the default path as the one that has been created for the destination of our Matlab install. That is /usr/local/MATLAB/R2018a/.

Select products to install.

Select Create symbolic links to MATLAB scripts. Unless you know what you are doing, leave the default /usr/local/bin destination directory.

Matlab installation summary.

Matlab installation in progress. Nothing to do. Sit back and wait.

Matlab activation is rather not optional.

Hit NEXT

Confirm Matlab license number.

All done.

Now, we will create a shortcut launcher for an easy Matlab application start. While still in the terminal execute the following linux commands:

$ sudo wget -qO /usr/share/icons/matlab.png goo.gl/NDyi9t 
$ sudo wget -qO /usr/share/applications/matlab.desktop goo.gl/NaHXrn

Optionaly, use a text editor and edit /usr/share/applications/matlab.desktop to reflect your Matlab version number.

$ sudo nano /usr/share/applications/matlab.desktop

Search your Start/Activities menu for the matlab keyword. Start Matlab by clicking on its icon.

Matlab is starting.

All done. Matlab installation on Ubuntu 18.04 is completed.

Clean up

All that remains, is to remove the Matlab’s installation file and the temporary directory:

$ rm ~/Downloads/matlab_R2018a_glnxa64.zip
$ rm -fr ~/Downloads/matlab

Enjoy!