MATLAB Programming

M-File Functions
M-File Functions
This section covers the following topics:
• “M-File Structure” on page 12-13
• “Using Lowercase for Function Names” on page 12-13
• “Getting a Function’s Name and Path” on page 12-14
• “What M-Files Does a Function Use?” on page 12-14
• “Dependent Functions, Built-Ins, Classes” on page 12-15
M-File Structure
An M-File consists of the components shown here:
function [x, y] = myfun(a, b, c) % Function definition line
% H1 line -- A one-line summary of the function's purpose.
% Help text -- One or more lines of help text that explain
% how to use the function. This text is displayed when
% the user types "help functionname".
% The Function body normally starts after the first blank line.
% Comments -- Description (for internal use) of what the
% function does, what inputs are expected, what outputs
% are generated. Typing "help functionname" does not display
% this text.
x = prod(a, b);
% Start of Function code
For more information: See “Basic Parts of an M-File” on page 4-9 of the
MATLAB Programming documentation.
Using Lowercase for Function Names
Function names appear in uppercase in MATLAB help text only to make the
help easier to read. In practice, however, it is usually best to use lowercase
when calling functions.
12-13