MATLAB Programming

Calling Functions
C or Fortran file (MEX-file), or Simulink ® model (MDL-file). See “Multiple
Implementation Types” on page 4-56 for more on this.
1 Variable
Before assuming that a name should match a function, MATLAB checks
the current workspace to see if it matches a variable name. If MATLAB
finds a match, it stops the search.
2 Subfunction
Subfunctions take precedence over all other M-file functions and overloaded
methods that are on the path and have the same name. Even if the function
is called with an argument of type matching that of an overloaded method,
MATLAB uses the subfunction and ignores the overloaded method.
3 Private function
Private functions are called if there is no subfunction of the same name
within the current scope. As with subfunctions, even if the function is
called with an argument of type matching that of an overloaded method,
MATLAB uses the private function and ignores the overloaded method.
4 Class constructor
Constructor functions (functions having names that are the same as the @
directory, for example @polynom/polynom.m) take precedence over other
MATLAB functions. Therefore, if you create an M-file called polynom.m and
put it on your path before the constructor @polynom/polynom.m version,
MATLAB will always call the constructor version.
5 Overloaded method
MATLAB calls an overloaded method if it is not superseded by a
subfunction or private function. Which overloaded method gets called
dependsontheclassesoftheobjectspassedintheargumentlist.
6 Function in the current directory
A function in the current working directory is selected before one elsewhere
on the path.
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