Function Creation

Create functions, including anonymous, local, and nested functions

Functions contain one or more sequential commands and can accept inputs and return outputs. To write a program with multiple lines of code, create a named function in a file.

Alternatively, if you want to define a one-line function to pass to another function—for instance, a mathematical expression to pass to the integral function—you can create an anonymous function.

MATLAB Language Syntax

function Declare function name, inputs, and outputs

Topics

Create Functions in Files
Store multiple commands in a program file that can accept inputs and return output.
Types of Functions

There are several types of functions available with MATLAB^®, including local functions, nested functions, private functions, and anonymous functions.
- Anonymous Functions
- Local Functions
- Nested Functions
- Private Functions
Function Precedence Order

To determine which function to call when multiple functions in the current scope have the same name, MATLAB uses function precedence order.
- Update Code for R2019b Changes to Function Precedence Order
Add Help for Your Program
Help text appears in the Command Window when you use the help function. Create help text for your program by inserting comments at the beginning.
Indexing into Function Call Results
This topic describes how to dot index into temporary variables created by function calls.
Configure the Run Button for Functions
Run functions that require some initial setup from the Editor by configuring the Run button.

Related Information

Writing a MATLAB Program (4 min, 57 sec)