Why do we need a File Installation Key?

I know that the license file is what actually controls the licensing and access to the software - i.e. - when starting MATLAB, MATLAB looks for the license file and reads the licensing information from there.

If so, I don't understand what is the need behind the File Installation Key? I know that I must have it in order

to run the installation, but it has nothing to do with actual licensing, so I don't really understand why is it necessary?

Also, should it be kept secret?

Answer 1

[Fangjun Jiang]

Good question. I wonder that too. But I think it is probably one of the multiple layers of protection that the Mathworks wants to protect its intellectual properties. By barely installing the toolbox, you've already had access to many of the files, documentation, source files, which shall not be free. The installation key allows you to install only the toolboxes that your are entitled to.