Why does matlab use such a high level of memory when it isn't doing anything?

When Matlab is idle it uses at least 40% of the computers memory.

If I try to do anything the memory usage goes up to 80%/90%.

What is causing Matlab to use so much memory when it isn't doing anything?

Answer 1

[Rik]

Of course this also depends on how much memory you have in the first place. But the reason is the same for Matlab as it is for any other program. It loads a lot of things in memory, so it can quickly respond to function calls.

I am of the opinion that Matlab is a Swiss army knife: it can do everything, but it is the best at nothing. If memory usage is a big problem for you, you can write your code in a different language that can be compiled to use only a bare minimum amount of memory. If you want the versatility that Matlab provides, there aren't many good alternatives.