MATLAB Programming Fundamentals - MathWorks

Object Behavior

In this section...

“Two Copy Behaviors” on page 16-2

“Handle Object Copy” on page 16-2

“Value Object Copy Behavior” on page 16-2

“Handle Object Copy Behavior” on page 16-3

“Testing for Handle or Value Class” on page 16-6

Two Copy Behaviors

There are two fundamental kinds of MATLAB objects — handles and values.

Value objects behave like MATLAB fundamental types with respect to copy operations.

Copies are independent values. Operations that you perform on one object do not affect

copies of that object.

Handle objects are referenced by their handle variable. Copies of the handle variable

refer to the same object. Operations that you perform on a handle object are visible from

all handle variables that reference that object.

Handle Object Copy

If you are defining classes and want to support handle object copy, see “Implement Copy

for Handle Classes”.

Value Object Copy Behavior

MATLAB numeric variables are value objects. For example, when you copy a to the

variable b, both variables are independent of each other. Changing the value of a does not

change the value of b:

a = 8;

b = a;

Now reassign a. b is unchanged:

16 Using Objects