Matlab Vector Graphics

Matlab v7.5 still has trouble with vector graphics. When trying to create a vector image it, instead, generates a bitmap image if you use rgb colors (for example in scatter) instead of colormap indices.

Here's an example:

But there is a workaround. Instead of doing this:

Do it like this to be able to export in vector format (like eps):

Now each point, instead of being colored by the rgb data, it is indexed to the custom colormap, which is exactly made up of the rgb data we want. Now it is possible to export to vector.

(Sorry, blogger doesn't like svg.)

Firebird Embedded in SQuirreL SQL (in Windows)

After 5 days I have finally been able to setup Firebird Embedded in SQuirreL SQL.

And I call myself a programmer... Shame on me!

Since I haven't found any concise tutorial on how this can be achieved (for newbies in Firebird, at least), I'll write here on how to do it.

You will need three things:

• SQuirreL SQL
• Jaybird (a.k.a., Firebird JDBC)
• Firebird Embedded "edition" (Follow the current release link, then select an "embed" installation)

Unpack both zips into the same folder. You will only need the following:

Jaybird archive:

• jaybird-full-*.jar
• jaybird21.dll

Firebird embedded archive:

• fbembed.dll
• ib_util.dll
• icudt30.dll
• icuin30.dll
• icuuc30.dll
• firebird.conf (if you wish to provide custom configuration)
• firebird.msg
• intl\* (folder)

After the libraries and SQuirreL SQL are installed, you have to setup a connection and some paths for the libraries.

Before opening SQuirreL, go to the directory where it is installed. In there you will find the main runnable batch file: squirrel-sql.bat. Edit the file and insert the red colored text in the last line:

start "SQuirreL SQL Client" /B "%LOCAL_JAVA%w" -Djava.library.path=/path/to/jaybird_dll -Xmx256m -cp %TMP_CP% net.sourceforge.squirrel_sql.client.Main %TMP_PARMS%

Replace with the path where the file jaybird21.dll is installed. It will typically be in the same folder as jaybird-full-*.jar.

Open SQuirreL and choose "Firebird JayBird" from drivers. On "Extra Class Path", point to the jaybird-full.jar that was unpacked from the archive you downloaded.

Since it is the embedded version, make sure your database string is:

jdbc:firebirdsql:embedded:<database_path>