- The author searched for over 22 years for a 1980s MATLAB version (around 3.x) to run on a MicroVAX II, but only found the 1982 FORTRAN release.
- Later versions with user functions, script files, and a signal processing toolbox were elusive; Cleve Moler was contacted but passed away.
- Using Claude AI, the author performed a clean-room re-implementation of MATLAB to the 3.x spec, adding m-file execution for extensibility.
- The project, named VAXLAB, was developed on a real MicroVAX II with Compaq C compiler, including REGIS/SIXEL graphics and a full test suite.
- Claude AI handled all aspects from environment setup to testing; no bugs were found in limited testing, demonstrating AI's potential for recreating vintage software.