MATLAB Uninstallation and Environment Variables: How to Clean Up Environment Variables After Uninstallation to Keep the System Tidy

# 1. Overview of MATLAB Uninstallation

Uninstalling MATLAB involves removing the MATLAB main program, associated files and folders, and cleaning up environment variables. The uninstallation process is divided into two main steps:卸载主程序 and clearing related files. Uninstalling the MATLAB main program can be done using the uninstallation program or manually deleting files, while clearing related files requires manually searching for and deleting files and folders scattered throughout the system.

# 2. MATLAB Uninstallation Process

### 2.1 Uninstalling the MATLAB Main Program

**Steps:**

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Select "Programs" or "Programs and Features".
3. Find MATLAB in the list of installed programs.
4. Right-click MATLAB and select "Uninstall".
5. Follow the instructions in the uninstallation wizard.

**Code Block:**

C:\> wmic product get name,version

**Logical Analysis:**

This command uses the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool to get the names and version information of installed products. It can be used to verify that MATLAB has been successfully uninstalled.

**Parameter Explanation:**

* `name`: Returns the name of the installed product.
* `version`: Returns the version of the installed product.

### 2.2 Clearing MATLAB-Related Files and Folders

**Steps:**

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the following folders:

* `C:\Program Files\MATLAB`
* `C:\ProgramData\MATLAB`
* `C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\MathWorks`

3. Delete all MATLAB-related files and folders in these folders.

**Code Block:**

C:\> del /s /f /q "C:\Program Files\MATLAB"

**Logical Analysis:**

This command uses the `del` command to delete the specified folder and all its contents. The options for the `del` command are as follows:

* `/s`: Deletes the folder and all its subfolders and files.
* `/f`: Forces the deletion of read-only files.
* `/q`: Quiet mode, does not display confirmation prompts.

**Parameter Explanation:**

* `"C:\Program Files\MATLAB"`: The path of the folder to be deleted.

**Table: MATLAB-Related Folders**

| Folder | Description |
|---|---|
| `C:\Program Files\MATLAB` | MATLAB main program files |
| `C:\ProgramData\MATLAB` | MATLAB user data and settings |
| `C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\MathWorks` | MATLAB cache and temporary files |

# 3.1 Concept and Function of Environment Variables

**Concept of Environment Variables**

Environment variables are a special mechanism in the operating system used to store and manage system-level information and user preferences. They are essentially name-value pairs, where the name identifies the variable, and the value contains data associated with the variable.

**Function of Environment Variables**

Environment variables play a crucial role in various system operations, including:

- **Program Configuration:** Programs can query environment variables to obtain information about their runtime environment, such as paths, language settings, and temporary file locations.
- **User Preferences:** Users can set environment variables to customize their system experience, such as setting their preferred editor or default printer.
- **System Information:** Operating systems and applications can set environment variables to provide information about system status and configuration, such a