From a MATLAB® function, you can call local functions, supported toolbox functions, and other MATLAB functions. MATLAB resolves function names for code generation as follows:
The diagram illustrates key points about how MATLAB resolves function calls for code generation:
Searches two paths, the code generation path and the MATLAB path
Attempts to compile functions unless the code generator determines that it should not compile them or you explicitly declare them to be extrinsic.
If a MATLAB function is not supported for code generation, you can
declare it to be extrinsic by using the construct
coder.extrinsic
, as described in Declaring MATLAB Functions as Extrinsic Functions. During simulation, the code generator
produces code for the call to an extrinsic function, but does not
generate the internal code for the function. Therefore, simulation
can run only on platforms where MATLAB software is installed. During standalone code
generation, the code generator attempts to determine whether the
extrinsic function affects the output of the function in which it is
called — for example by returning mxArrays
to an output variable. If the output does not change, code
generation proceeds, but the extrinsic function is excluded from the
generated code. Otherwise, compilation errors occur.
The code generator detects calls to many common visualization
functions, such as plot
, disp
,
and figure
. The software treats these functions
like extrinsic functions but you do not have to declare them extrinsic
using the coder.extrinsic
function.
Resolves file type based on precedence rules described in Resolution of File Types on Code Generation Path
During code generation, function calls are resolved on two paths:
Code generation path
MATLAB searches this path first during code generation. The code generation path contains the toolbox functions supported for code generation.
MATLAB path
If the function is not on the code generation path, MATLAB searches this path.
MATLAB applies the same dispatcher rules when searching each path (see Function Precedence Order).
Use the code generation path to override a MATLAB function with a customized version. A file on the code generation path shadows a file of the same name on the MATLAB path.
For more information on how to add additional folders to the code generation path, see Paths and File Infrastructure Setup (MATLAB Coder).