can a function be made to be called from any directory?

I have custom functions that I would like to be called independent of the directory it is called. Can this be done, like for the MATLAB functions? Can someone steer me to an example or page to learn about this if it is possible?

[Stephen23]

"can a function be made to be called from any directory?"

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_env/what-is-the-matlab-search-path.html

Answer 1

[TED MOSBY]

Hi Hxen,

If you are referring to MATLAB custom functions be able to be called from anywhere, the key is to place your '.m' files in a folder that is on the MATLAB search path. Once the folder is on path, you can call it from any script, function, or the Command Window, no need to 'cd' into that folder.

You can do this by running below commands in the command window:

addpath('full/path/to/your_folder')
savepath

You can also do the same by right-clicking on your folder and selecting the 'Add to Path' option.

Here is the documentation of 'addpath' :

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/addpath.html?s_tid=srchtitle_support_results_1_addpath

Hope this helps!

[hxen]

Thank you Ted!

Answer 2

[Walter Roberson]

If you are referring to custom functions that are to be called no matter which directory you call them from, then the answer is "That cannot be done" -- not unless you "import" the name.

The function call precedence order is described at https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_prog/function-precedence-order.html

Object functions are only #7, and Class constructors are only #8, and Functions elsewhere on the path, are only #11 -- which is lowest precedence.

So no matter what name you give to the function or how you declare the function, there are cases where other functions with the same name will have higher priority... unless you "import" the name.

[hxen]

Thanks Walter and bringing to my awareness of the ordering. Much appreaciated!