MATLAB Programming

2 Data Types
Function Handles
A function handle is a MATLAB value and data type that provides a means of
calling a function indirectly. You can pass function handles in calls to other
functions (often called function functions). You can also store function handles
in data structures for later use (for example, as Handle Graphics ® callbacks).
Read more about function handles in the section, “Function Handles” on page
4-23.
This section covers the following topics:
• “Constructing and Invoking a Function Handle” on page 2-116
• “Calling a Function Using Its Handle” on page 2-116
• “Simple Function Handle Example” on page 2-117
Constructing and Invoking a Function Handle
You construct a handle for a specific function by preceding the function name
with an @ sign. Use only the function name (withnopathinformation)after
the @ sign:
fhandle = @functionname
Handles to Anonymous Functions
Another way to construct a function handle is to create an anonymous
function. For example,
sqr = @(x) x.^2;
creates an anonymous function that computes the square of its input
argument x. The variable sqr contains a handle to the anonymous function.
See “Anonymous Functions” on page 5-3 for more information.
Calling a Function Using Its Handle
To execute a function associated with a function handle, use the syntax shown
here, treating the function handle fhandle as if it were a function name:
2-116