Function Precedence Order
This topic explains how MATLAB determines which function to call when multiple
functions in the current scope have the same name. The current scope includes the
current file, an optional private subfolder relative to the currently running function, the
current folder, and the MATLAB path.MATLAB uses this precedence order:(^1) Variables
Before assuming that a name matches a function, MATLAB checks for a variable with
that name in the current workspace.
NoteIf you create a variable with the same name as a function, MATLAB cannot run
that function until you clear the variable from memory.
(^2) Imported package classes and functions
A package function is associated with a particular folder. When you import a package
function using the import function, it has precedence over all other functions with
the same name.
(^3) Nested functions within the current function
4 Local functions within the current file
(^5) Private functions
Private functions are functions in a subfolder named private that is immediately
below the folder of the currently running file.
(^6) Object functions
An object function accepts a particular class of object in its input argument list. When
there are multiple object functions with the same name, MATLAB checks the classes
of the input arguments to determine which function to use.
7 Class constructors in @ folders
MATLAB uses class constructors to create a variety of objects (such as timeseries
or audioplayer), and you can define your own classes using object-oriented
programming. For example, if you create a class folder @polynom and a constructor
function @polynom/polynom.m, the constructor takes precedence over other
functions named polynom.m anywhere on the path.
Function Precedence Order