Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you choose to write the code in Matlab? Isn't it slow?

While Spresso constitutes a rather general tool for CE, FASS, and ITP, among other assays, modern applications of electrophoretic simulations are wide and diverse and we believe that no single code can offer an answer to all applications. We therefore wanted to create a code which can be accessed and modified by other researchers. Using Matlab, new ideas and physical models can be quickly tested, without going into too many programming details.

Yes, this versatility typically comes at the cost of speed. However, the numerical bottleneck (the solution of linear systems) is written in FORTRAN (LAPACK package) which significantly improves the speed. We believe you'll find the code's performance and speed quite satisfying.

Do I have to have Matlab installed in order to run the code?
No. We offer two alternatives for running Spresso. One is using the Matlab source code (which can be used on any operating system) and the other is using a complied version (currently available only for windows). Using the compiled version requires installing the Matlab Component Runtime (MCR) which is also available for (Free) download from this website.

What is the Matlab Component Runtime (MCR)?
The MCR is a collection of libraries required to run compiled Matlab codes. It essentially includes all the libraries the exist in Matlab, but does not require a license to install. Installing the MCR assures that the code behaves exactly like it would under Matlab. You will need to install the MCR only once. Future updates of the code will make use of the previously installed MCR.

I have Matlab, and I want to run it directly from the source code. Do I need any Matlab toolboxes? No. Spresso requires only basic Matlab to run. No additional toolboxes are required.

What version of Matlab is Spresso compatible with? Spresso was tested on Versions 2008a, 2007b and 2007a of Matlab.

I want to link Spresso to my own code. Do I have to run the GUI? No. You do not have to run the simulation through the GUI.
The GUI is designed to create an input file, which is sent to the main code once the 'Start' button is pressed.
You can override the GUI by creating an input file and simply calling the main Spresso routine with that filename as an input variable. We will soon post some examples on this website.

More questions? Check out the User's Manual [pdf ] by clicking here.