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matlab-debug-code

Diagnose MATLAB runtime errors using breakpoints, workspace inspection, and try-catch diagnostics.

995|122|Updated Apr 3, 2026
Search Tags:#mcp#error diagnosis#breakpoints#runtime errors#Debugging#matlab#workspace inspection
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit --skill matlab-debug-code
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: matlab-debug-code
Source: https://github.com/matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit/tree/main/skills-catalog/matlab-core/matlab-debug-code
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit --skill matlab-debug-code

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

MATLAB errors and unexpected behavior are hard to diagnose from reading code alone, especially when failures depend on actual data values, types, or dimensions. This Skill connects an AI agent to a live MATLAB session via MCP tools so it can actively investigate errors, inspect variables, and trace root causes instead of guessing.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Runtime Debugging with Breakpoints: Set breakpoints with dbstop, inspect the call stack with dbstack, navigate frames with dbup/dbdown, and check variable state with whos in desktop mode.
  • No-Desktop Safe Diagnostics: Use try-catch wrappers and tracer conditional breakpoints to probe variable values without hanging the MCP session when MATLAB runs without a desktop.
  • Common Error Playbooks: Get targeted diagnostic steps for frequent MATLAB errors such as undefined functions, index out of bounds, dimension mismatches, and NaN propagation.
  • Use Case: A user reports "Index exceeds array dimensions" in their data processing script. The agent runs the script via run_matlab_file, inspects the failing line's variables, finds an off-by-one index, and verifies the fix by re-running the code.

Quick Start

Ask the agent to investigate why your MATLAB script throws an error and have it inspect the variables on the failing line using the live MATLAB session.

Frequently Asked Questions about matlab-debug-code

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I debug MATLAB code with an AI agent?▼

Connect the agent to a live MATLAB session via the MATLAB MCP Server, then let it run your script with run_matlab_file, set breakpoints with dbstop, and inspect variables with whos. The agent traces the call stack and tests hypotheses directly in MATLAB rather than guessing from source code.

How do I fix 'Undefined function or variable' errors in MATLAB?▼

Check whether the function exists with which and exist, verify the MATLAB path, and confirm the required toolbox is installed using detect_matlab_toolboxes. The error usually means a missing file, a path issue, or an uninstalled toolbox.

Why do MATLAB breakpoints hang when debugging through MCP?▼

Pausing breakpoints like dbstop if error hang indefinitely when MATLAB runs in no-desktop mode, which you can check with desktop('-inuse'). In that mode, use try-catch wrappers or tracer conditional breakpoints that print values without pausing execution.

Can MATLAB debugging work without the desktop environment?▼

Yes, but pausing breakpoints must be avoided. Use try-catch blocks to capture error state, tracer conditional breakpoints that print values and return false, or run scripts first and inspect the persistent base workspace afterward.

When should I use static analysis instead of runtime debugging in MATLAB?▼

Use static analysis with check_matlab_code for syntax errors, unused variables, and issues visible from reading the source. Escalate to runtime debugging only when the problem depends on actual data values, types, or dimensions that cannot be determined statically.

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