The code generator includes a variety of approaches for integrating legacy or custom code with generated code. Legacy code is existing handwritten code or code for environments that you integrate with code that the code generator produces. Custom code is legacy code or other user-specified lines of code that you include in the code generator build process. Collectively, legacy and custom code are called external code.
You integrate external code by importing existing external code into code produced by the code generator, exporting generated code into an existing external code base, or you can do both. For example, you can import code by calling an external function, by using the Legacy Code Tool, or place external code at specific locations in generated code by including Custom Code blocks in a model. When you import external code, the resulting generated code interfaces with generated scheduling code.
You can export generated code as a plug-in function for use in an external development environment. When you export generated code, you intend to interface that code manually with a scheduling mechanism in your application run-time environment.
For guidance on choosing an approach based on your application requirements, see Choose an External Code Integration Workflow .
What Is External Code Integration?
What external code integration is.
Choose an External Code Integration Workflow
For application integration points, characterize external code, identify code generation integration requirements, and choose a workflow.
Untrusted Custom Code, Custom Targets, and Callbacks
Use of untrusted custom code entails risk.
Call Reusable External Algorithm Code for Simulation and Code Generation
Call external algorithmic code, which is hardware-independent and reusable, from generated code.
Place External C/C++ Code in Generated Code
Place C/C++ code into code generated for a model.
Integrate External C++ Object Methods
Integrate legacy C++ object methods by using the Legacy Code Tool.
Call external device drivers from generated code.
Apply Function and Operator Code Replacements
Configure the code generator to replace functions and operators for alignment with external code or run-time environment requirements.
Build Integrated Code Within the Simulink Environment
Add support files and control model code generation and builds within the Simulink Environment.
Exchange Data Between External C/C++ Code and Simulink Model or Generated Code
Configure the signals, states, and parameters in a Simulink® model to match the data interface of your existing C code.
Exchange Data Between External Calling Code and Generated Code
When you export the generated code into your external code, exchange signal, state, and parameter data.
How Generated Code Exchanges Data with an Environment
The generated code exchanges signal, state, and parameter data with the calling environment through a data interface.
Control Data and Function Interface in Generated Code
Control how generated code exchanges data with a calling environment.
Design Data Interface by Configuring Inport and Outport Blocks
Customize the data interface of a model to enable integration of the generated code with your own code and to improve code traceability and readability.
Generate Code That Matches Appearance of External Code
Configure how the code generator applies identifiers (symbols), comments, code styles, code format, and organization.