matlab-modernize-daq
Port MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox code from the discouraged (legacy) session-based interface (daq.createSession, addAnalogInputChannel, startBackground, DataAvailable listeners, queueOutputData, wait) to the recommended DataAcquisition interface (daq("ni"), addinput, start, ScansAvailableFcn, write, preload). Use when migrating legacy DAQ scripts, converting session-API calls, working with DataAcquisition objects, writing multi-feature DAQ scripts that combine triggers, callbacks, continuous acquisition, or analog output. Also use when a user says their DAQ script "used to work" or "errors
npx skills add matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit --skill matlab-modernize-daq --agent claude-code
Same command for any agent — swap --agent for codex, cursor, copilot.
Weekly change comes from our own snapshots, not the repository page — it measures attention, not adoption.
# Port DAQ Code to the Modern DataAcquisition Interface Translate legacy session-based Data Acquisition Toolbox code (`daq.createSession`, `addAnalogInputChannel`, `DataAvailable` listeners, `startBackground`, `queueOutputData`, `wait`) to the modern `DataAcquisition` interface introduced in R2020a (`daq("ni")`, `addinput`, `ScansAvailableFcn`, `start`, `write`, `preload`). Also covers writing new multi-feature DAQ scripts where the modern API patterns are easy to get wrong under cognitive load. ## When to Use - Porting an existing script that calls `daq.createSession`, `addAnalogInputChannel`, `addAnalogOutputChannel`, `addCounterInputChannel`, `addCounterOutputChannel`, or `addDigitalChannel`. - Replacing `DataAvailable` / `DataRequired` / `ErrorOccurred` listeners with `ScansAvailableFcn` / `ScansRequiredFcn` / `ErrorOccurredFcn`. - Replacing `startBackground` / `startForeground` / `s.wait()` lifecycle calls. - Replacing `queueOutputData` with `preload` + `write`. - Writing a **new** DAQ script that combines two or more of: external triggers, continuous acquisition, callback-driven streaming, analog output with refill, or cross-callback state. - Debugging errors like `Undefined
- When to Use
- When NOT to Use
- Workflow
- Key Functions
- Patterns
- Pattern 1: Add an external start trigger
- Pattern 2: ScansAvailableFcn body — pull data via read, never evt.Data
- Pattern 3: Block until acquisition completes — there is no wait(d)
- Pattern 4: Continuous AO playback with auto-refill
- Pattern 5: Cross-callback state via nested function or handle class
- Conventions
- Common Mistakes
- References
What does the matlab-modernize-daq skill do?
Port MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox code from the discouraged (legacy) session-based interface (daq.createSession, addAnalogInputChannel, startBackground, DataAvailable listeners, queueOutputData, wait) to the recommended DataAcquisition interface (daq("ni"), addinput, start, ScansAvailableFcn, write, preload). Use when migrating legacy DAQ scripts, converting session-API calls, working with DataAcquisition objects, writing multi-feature DAQ scripts that combine triggers, callbacks, continuous acquisition, or analog output. Also use when a user says their DAQ script "used to work" or "errors
How do I install it?
Run `npx skills add matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit --skill matlab-modernize-daq --agent claude-code` — it drops the skill into your project so the agent can pick it up. Swap the --agent value for codex, cursor or copilot if you use one of those.
Where does this skill come from?
From matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit, a repository with 868 stars. We read it straight from the repository tree rather than a submitted listing, so what you see here is what is actually published.
Is a popular skill a good skill?
Not necessarily. Stars measure attention, not adoption — a repository can trend for a week and be abandoned. That is why we show the weekly change from our own snapshots next to the total, instead of a single flattering number.