Script and Function Creation Flashcards

What is the purpose of the `end` keyword at the close of a function definition in MATLAB?

Answer: It marks the boundary of the function so local functions can follow

Using `end` to close a function is required when the file contains more than one function, to delineate each function's scope.

Which of the following correctly calls a function named `calcArea` with input `5` and captures its output?

Answer: result = calcArea(5)

Standard MATLAB function call syntax assigns the returned value using the equals sign.

Anonymous functions in MATLAB are created using which syntax?

Answer: f = @(x) x^2

The `@(args) expression` syntax defines an anonymous function inline without a separate file.

What is the difference between a MATLAB script and a function regarding variable scope?

Answer: Scripts share the base workspace; functions have their own private workspace

Functions execute in their own workspace, isolating their variables from the base workspace, while scripts do not.

How do you add a persistent variable inside a MATLAB function so it retains its value between calls?

Answer: persistent varName

`persistent` declares a variable that retains its value between successive calls to the function.

What does `nargout` allow a function to determine?

Answer: How many output arguments the caller requested

`nargout` returns the number of output arguments requested by the calling expression, enabling conditional output generation.

Which file extension is required for MATLAB function and script files?

Answer: .m

Standard MATLAB scripts and functions are saved with the `.m` extension; `.mat` is for data, `.mlx` is for live scripts.