Compiler- Standalone App Dependencies

Hi,

For people who have experience with Compiler- if I were to use some MATLAB toolboxes to create an App, and then use Compiler to compile and distribute it as a standalone software, will it work on computers that don't have MATLAB or those toolboxes?

Thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

[Mohammad Sami]

Yes. The users will have to install the corresponding MATLAB runtime. Example if you compile the app using MATLAB R2020a, the users will need to install the MATLAB Runtime R2020a.

[Veena Chatti]

Hi Mohammad,

Thank you for your answer- just a couple follow up questions:

1. Can anyone install runtime, for free?
2. After I share it, will the recepient be able to redistribute it without my knowledge?

Best,

Veena

[Bruno Luong]

1: Yes

2: Yes

[Mohammad Sami]

If you wish the recipient not to be able to redistribute, you will have to add some code that contact your server every time the app is loaded. Your server can then reply whether the usage is permitted. If it's not permitted the app can close itself.

Another option would be if you write some code which checks for some unique activation code / file to be present. This can be generated based on some combinations of unique identifiers from the computer and a secret key know to you.

[Veena Chatti]

Thank you-- are there any good how-to guides for these options? I would like to be able to authorize and authenticate every computer on which it is loaded.

[Mohammad Sami]

It is not quite straightforward to implement authentication and authorization. One option would be to use identity providers like google / apple / microsoft. Even then you will still need to implement server side code.

A more simpler option would be implement some kind of licensing / activation in your code. You can see an illustration of the concept here. Please note licensing mechanism have a drawback e.g. the serial number are tied to hardware which can change due to various factors (e.g. replacement due to failure).

https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/28550/Protecting-Your-Software-Using-Simple-Serial-Numbe

[Veena Chatti]

Thanks again! This is very helpful.