External Interfaces/API

Java Methods That Affect MATLAB Commands

MATLAB commands that operate on Java objects and arrays make use of the methods that are implemented within, or inherited by, these objects' classes. There are some MATLAB commands that you can alter somewhat in behavior by changing the Java methods that they rely on.

Changing the Effect of disp and display

You can use the disp function to display the value of a variable or an expression in MATLAB. Terminating a command line without a semicolon also calls the disp function. You can also use disp to display a Java object in MATLAB.

When disp operates on a Java object, MATLAB formats the output using the toString method of the class to which the object belongs. If the class does not implement this method, then an inherited toString method is used. If no intermediate ancestor classes define this method, it uses the toString method defined by the java.lang.Object class. You can override inherited toString methods in classes that you create by implementing such a method within your class definition. In this way, you can change the way MATLAB displays information regarding the objects of the class.

Changing the Effect of isequal

The MATLAB isequal function compares two or more arrays for equality in type, size, and contents. This function can also be used to test Java objects for equality.

When you compare two Java objects using isequal, MATLAB performs the comparison using the Java method, equals. MATLAB first determines the class of the objects specified in the command, and then uses the equals method implemented by that class. If it is not implemented in this class, then an inherited equals method is used. This will be the equals method defined by the java.lang.Object class if no intermediate ancestor classes define this method.

You can override inherited equals methods in classes that you create by implementing such a method within your class definition. In this way, you can change the way MATLAB performs comparison of the members of this class.

Changing the Effect of double and char

You can also define your own Java methods toDouble and toChar to change the output of the MATLAB double and char functions. For more information, see the sections entitled Converting to the MATLAB double Data Type and Converting to the MATLAB char Data Type.

Obtaining Information About Methods

How MATLAB Handles Undefined Methods