MATLAB is described as 'Interactive environment for numerical computation, data analysis, algorithm development, matrix operations, data visualization, and toolboxes for specialized mathematical functions' and is a very popular programming language in the development category. There are more than 50 alternatives to MATLAB for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Web-based and BSD apps. The best MATLAB alternative is GNU Octave, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like MATLAB are Scilab, R (programming language), SciPy and Julia.
Altair Compose is a software environment for doing calculations, manipulating and visualizing data (including from CAE simulations or test results), programming and debugging scripts useful for repeated computations and process automation. All capabilities are available in a single, multi-functional tool with a user-friendly Integrated Development Environment (IDE). No additional toolboxes required.