Function Handles

Variables that allow you to invoke a function indirectly

A function handle is a MATLAB® data type that represents a function. A typical use of function handles is to pass a function to another function. For example, you can use function handles as input arguments to functions that evaluate mathematical expressions over a range of values.

Function handles can represent either named or anonymous functions. To create a function handle, use the @ operator. For example, create a handle to an anonymous function that evaluates the expression x2 – y2:

f = @(x,y) (x.^2 - y.^2);
For more information, see Create Function Handle.

Functions

function_handleHandle to function
fevalEvaluate function
func2strConstruct character vector from function handle
str2funcConstruct function handle from character vector
localfunctionsHandles to all local functions in current file
functionsInformation about function handle

Topics

  • Create Function Handle

    Use a function handle to create an association to a named function or an anonymous function. Then, you can indirectly call the representative function.

  • Pass Function to Another Function

    You can use function handles as input arguments to functions that evaluate mathematical expressions over a range of values, such as integral and fzero.

  • Parameterizing Functions

    This topic explains how to store or access extra parameters for mathematical functions that you pass to functions such as fzero, ode45, or integral.

  • Call Local Functions Using Function Handles

    If a function returns handles to local functions, you can call the local functions outside of the main function. This approach allows you to have multiple, callable functions in a single file.

  • Compare Function Handles

    The result of comparing equality of function handles depends on what the handle represents and when you created it.