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
localfunctionsFunction handles to all local functions in MATLAB 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.