Open a .mat file without MATLAB

 1. Use MATLAB clones (mainly opensource)

Useful because they can also run .m or .m-like script file.

• Scilab (http://www.scilab.org/)
• Freemat (http://freemat.sourceforge.net/)
• Sage (http://www.osalt.com/sage)
• GNU Octave (http://www.gnu.org/software/octave/)

2. Use mathematic library (mainly opensource)

• Scipy (http://www.scipy.org/)
• NumPy (http://numpy.scipy.org/)
• iPython (http://ipython.scipy.org/moin/)
• matplotlib (http://matplotlib.sourceforge.net/)

3. Use the MATLAB API. Examples for C and C#.

Doesn't need any licence.

• See extern.zip file

4. Use a viewer

• TotalCmd plugin, can be used as a standalone (http://www.totalcmd.net/plugring/matlabwcx.html)

extern.zip