Creating Function in Files in MATLAB

MATLAB is a high−level programming language used to perform engineering and scientific operations such as system design and analysis, matrix manipulation, data interpretation, image processing, app development, and more.

MATLAB provides several methods to write reusable codes that can be used to perform repeated tasks. One such code in MATLAB is a function. In this tutorial, I will explain how to create functions in a file in MATLAB. But before that let’s have a look into some basic concepts related to MATLAB functions.

What is a Function in MATLAB?

In MATLAB, a function is a code or command or a set of instructions that takes inputs from user and produces a result as per the instructions.

It is basically a code block created to reuse multiple times to perform a particular task. Creating a function in MATLAB makes coding easier, reduces code errors and redundancy, and saves a lot of time required to rewrite the same code many times.

Types of Functions in MATLAB

In MATLAB, there are two types of functions namely,

• Built−in Functions

• User−Defined Functions

A built−in function is one which already defined in the library of the MATLAB software. Hence, it is also called library function. Examples of built−in functions are log, sqrt, readtable, writetable, disp, imshow, and more.

On the other hand, a user−defined function in MATLAB is a function whose definition is given by the user by writing MATLAB commands.

How to Create Function in MATLAB

MATLAB provides a standard way of creating a function by writing a piece of code. The step−by−step process to create a function in file in MATLAB is explained below:

Step (1) − Launch MATLAB command window and create a new function file. For this, under "Home" tab, click on "New", and then select "Function".

Step (2) − Define the signature of the function. This will take the following standard syntax:

function result = MyFun(input1, input2, input3,…)
   % Function body
end

In this code, replace ‘MyFun’ with the name of your function. Specify the input arguments of the function.

Step (3) − Inside the body of the function, write the code that performs the task that you want. For example,

function result = MyFun(input1, input2, input3)
   % Function body
result = input1 * input2 * input3;	 % find product
end

Step (4) − Save the function file with the name same as the function name. For example, in this case ‘MyFun.m’.

Now, we can call this function from the MATLAB command window to perform the function for which it defined.

Let us now consider some examples to understand how to create a function in MATLAB.

Example (1) − Create a Function to calculate electric power in a circuit

Step (1) − Create a function file and write the following code:

% Define the function to calculate power
function electric_power = CalPower(voltage, current)
   % Expression to calculate power
   electric_power = voltage * current;
end

Step (2) − Save this function file with a name "CalPower.m".

Step (3) − Open MATLAB command window and call the function ‘CalPower’ as follows:

% MATLAB code to call the CalPower function
% Specify the values of voltage and current
voltage = 220;		% in volts
current = 6;		% in amperes

% Call the CalPower function
electric_power = CalPower(voltage, current);

% Display the result
fprintf('The electric power is: %.2f Watts', electric_power);

Output

The electric power is: 1320.00 Watts

Let us take another example of creating a function to calculate energy consumed by a lamp.

Example (2) − Create a function to calculate electricity bill amount in MATLAB

Step (1) − Create a function to calculate electricity bill amount:

function BillAmt = ElectricityBill(PowerWatt, WorkHours, RatePerUnit)
   % Expression to calculate total energy consumed in kilowatt-hours (units)
   Energy_Consumed = (PowerWatt * WorkHours) / 1000;

   % Calculate the electricity bill amount
   BillAmt = Energy_Consumed * RatePerUnit;
end

Step (2) − Save this function file with name "ElectricityBill".

Step (3) − Open MATLAB command window and call the function ‘ElectricityBill’ as follows:

% MATLAB code to calculate electricity bill amount
% Provide input parameters
LampPower = 100;		% in Watts
WorkHours = 8;		% lamp is used per day
price = 6;		% Rs. 6 per unit (adjust as per need)

% Calculate the electricity bill amount
bill_amount = ElectricityBill(LampPower, WorkHours, price);

% Display the result
fprintf('The electricity bill amount for the lamp is: %.2f INR per day', bill_amount);

Output

The electricity bill amount for the lamp is: 4.80 INR per day

Conclusion

In this tutorial, I have explained the concept of function and step−by−step process to create a function in MATLAB. Also, I have included some example programs to create functions for better understand of the steps involved in creating function in MATLAB.

In conclusion, MATLAB provides a standard method to create a function to perform a particular task. Functions are usually created to reduce code redundancy and to create reusable code block to save time to develop new codes.