--- /dev/null
+function c=Ucolumns(m)
+
+%
+% function r=columns(m)
+%
+% Note: octave already has this function,
+% this is here only for matlab compatibility
+
+% This file is part of
+%
+% SECS2D - A 2-D Drift--Diffusion Semiconductor Device Simulator
+% -------------------------------------------------------------------
+% Copyright (C) 2004-2006 Carlo de Falco
+%
+%
+%
+% SECS2D is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
+% it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+% the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
+% (at your option) any later version.
+%
+% SECS2D is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+% but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+% MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
+% GNU General Public License for more details.
+%
+% You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+% along with SECS2D; If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+
+c = size(m,2);
+
+