External Interfaces/API

Examples of C MEX-Files

The following sections include information and examples describing how to pass and manipulate the different data types when working with MEX-files. These topics include

• A First Example -- Passing a Scalar
• Passing Strings
• Passing Two or More Inputs or Outputs
• Passing Structures and Cell Arrays
• Handling Complex Data
• Handling 8-,16-, and 32-Bit Data
• Manipulating Multidimensional Numerical Arrays
• Handling Sparse Arrays
• Calling Functions from C MEX-Files

The MATLAB API provides a full set of routines that handle the various data types supported by MATLAB. For each data type there is a specific set of functions that you can use for data manipulation. The first example discusses the simple case of doubling a scalar. After that, the examples discuss how to pass in, manipulate, and pass back various data types, and how to handle multiple inputs and outputs. Finally, the sections discuss passing and manipulating various MATLAB data types.

Note    You can find the most recent versions of the example programs at the anonymous FTP server ftp://ftp.mathworks.com/pub/tech-support/docexamples/apiguide/R12/refbook

Required Arguments to a MEX-File

A First Example -- Passing a Scalar