MATLAB Object-Oriented Programming

Compatibility with Previous Versions

In this section...

“New Class-Definition Syntax Introduced with MATLAB Software Version 7.6” on page 5-

59

“Changes to Class Constructors” on page 5-60

“New Features Introduced with Version 7.6” on page 5-61

“Examples of Old and New” on page 5-61

New Class-Definition Syntax Introduced with MATLAB

Software Version 7.6

MATLAB software Version 7.6 introduces a new syntax for defining classes. This new

syntax includes:

• The classdef keyword begins a block of class-definitions code. An end statement
  terminates the class definition.


• Within the classdef code block, properties, methods, and events are also
  keywords delineating where you define the respective class members.

Cannot Mix Class Hierarchy

It is not possible to create class hierarchies that mix classes defined before Version 7.6

and current class definitions that use classdef. Therefore, you cannot subclass an old

class to create a version of the new class.

Only One “@” Class Folder per Class

For classes defined using the new classdef keyword, a class folder shadows all class

folders that occur after it on the MATLAB path. Classes defined in class folders must

locate all class files in that single folder. However, classes defined in class folders

continue to take precedence over functions and scripts having the same name, even those

functions and scripts that come before them on the path.

Private Methods

You do not need to define private folders in class folders in Version 7.6. You can set the

method's Access attribute to private instead.

Compatibility with Previous Versions