When creating a new matrix, it would be faster, and more natural to type ctrl+m 2,3
rather than use both row and column fields

For me personally, the default for columns would best be 1, that is what I use more often than anything else.

I also find filling matrices slow and difficult. It would be much easier to comma delimit data in columns, and semi-colon delimit rows. This would make it easy to fill either across or down. When reaching the end of a row/column, it would wrap to the next (regardless of "," or ";" )

The problem with tab is that it is with keys 1,2,3 + tab is it's a left hand cack handed stretch to the tab key that gets capslock every time, for me. - so I have to do it slowly.

Using comma is left-right-left-right and flows smoothly. (This is the same reason that // is my favourite comment character regardless of language - it flows whereas eg. shift+# never does)

Hi mytam. Isn't very natural, but with this you only need one click.

1) Write ma( into a math area. Then the parenthesis close, and you see ma(_)
2) Write the matrix elements file to column. For example, for a 2x3 matrix, you get: ma(11,12,13,21,22,23)
3) Write the number of files and columns. You get now ma(11,12,13,21,22,23,2,3)
4) Finally, click after "ma" and complete typing a "t". Then mat(11,12,13,21,22,23,2,3) is showing as what it is: a 2x3 matrix.

Or as image, more explicit:



Best regards.
Alvaro.

Wrote

I also find filling matrices slow and difficult.

No short way to fill a matrix ! by hand.
Toke me ½ day to fill 767*2 HadCRU Global Warming data.
The suggested approach is best as you can see side by side
what you fill-in from the source data image.

Wrote

When creating a new matrix, it would be faster, and more natural to type ctrl+m 2,3

It is possible with newest release (build 7030). Arguments separator symbol allows you to move focus from rows to columns box now.

Hope this will help you.

Wrote

It is possible with newest release (build 7030). Arguments separator symbol allows you to move focus from rows to columns box now.

What more convenient and logic than SS 6179 can be invented ?
fill the first top left -> cursor fill next -> ...
as the last column is filled: drops down next row left
... and so on
negative number: twice cursor ->-> move next.
From the matrix tool box, easy to insert a missing row.
Creating a matrix is a delightful part of a project.
Creating matrix from f(x), f(x,y) is even simpler.

Cheers ... Jean.

I also find matrix entry painful.

Wrote

When creating a new matrix, it would be faster, and more natural to type ctrl+m 2,3

Thanks Andrey for implementing, that makes it easier. (tried to edit the Keyboardshortcuts wiki, but can't)

Wrote

For me personally, the default for columns would best be 1, that is what I use more often than anything else.

I agree. I think that I expect the r,c values chosen to persist next time ^M is chosen.

Quote

It would be much easier to comma delimit data in columns, and semi-colon delimit rows.

I agree.
Currently, if you make a 1x1 matrix then comma fills it down as you describe. i.e.
+M 1,1 4,5,6
makes
4
5
6

I think it needs:

• ; creates new column (as you describe)
  
• + move in the matrix that direction for editing.(currently hard to go up/dn the grid)
  
• a shortcut that makes a 1x1 matrix.
  

e.g. a dedicated shortcut
+;
or
add a new button to matrix dialog to make a 1x1, which has the hotkey m , so pressing
+MM
will make an empty 1x1 ready for filling using , ;

I would also note that entering powers of 10 is also a major pain in matrices, as it is often more than doubling the number of keystrokes.
see: Fast-way-to-enter-powers-of-10

Wrote

I also find matrix entry painful.

Same style as Mathcad/Mathsoft. No complain in 15 years Collaboratory.
OriginLab matrix is even more painful for reasons.
If you fill a matrix from foreign source, better address elements wise.
Much less risk of typos, than filling by hand.

Wrote

I also find matrix entry painful.

Visit the last Samples attachment, few minutes ago.
Jean