MATLAB is a high-level programming language and interactive environment that enables engineers and scientists to quickly and accurately analyze, visualize, and model complex data. It integrates computation, visualization, and programming in an easy-to-use environment where problems and solutions are expressed in familiar mathematical notation. MATLAB provides an extensive library of mathematical functions for linear algebra, statistics, Fourier analysis, optimization, filtering, numerical integration, and solving ordinary differential equations. It provides tools for data analysis, data visualization, and algorithm development, as well as a comprehensive application programming interface (API) for creating custom algorithms and applications. Using MATLAB, users can quickly prototype and develop algorithms, visualize data, and deploy applications. It includes built-in support for deep learning, computer vision, parallel computing, and other emerging technologies. Additionally, MATLAB's code generation capabilities enable users to generate code from their MATLAB algorithms and reuse that code in other applications.
GNU Octave is actually a free replication of MATLAB.