Object-Oriented Programming with MATLAB

Day 1 of 2

Creating Custom Data Types

Objective: Learn basic techniques and experience the differences between procedural and object-oriented programming. Create a simple custom data type known as a class.

• Grouping data and functionality into a single class definition file
• Documenting classes
• Using classes to create workspace variables known as objects

Designing a MATLAB Class

Objective: Design an easy-to-use class that prevents data inconsistencies. Hide implementation details from the user to achieve easy maintenance and a simple user interface.

• Utilizing property attributes and access methods to create an intuitive class that prevents data inconsistencies.
• Hiding implementation details through private properties and methods
• Customizing standard operators for the class

Building Class Hierarchies

Objective: Avoid code duplication by creating a common superclass to contain the shared functionality of several similar classes.

• Creating a common superclass for two similar classes
• Extending the superclass through a subclass and implementing specialized behavior
• Using abstract properties and methods when data and functions cannot be fully defined on the superclass level

Day 2 of 2

Facilitating Multiple References

Objective: Ensure data consistency by using reference (handle) behavior to share a single data object throughout the application. Extend the functionality of a class by embedding it into another class through aggregation.

• Creating a class that exhibits reference behavior
• Embedding a data class into a viewer class responsible for data visualization
• Choosing between pass-by-reference and the usual pass-by-value behavior

Writing Unit Tests

Objective: Improve code maintainability by creating unit tests that ensure correct code behavior. Use the MATLAB unit-testing framework to enhance the quality and flexibility of your software.

• Writing a unit test
• Creating a test environment using setup and teardown methods
• Parameterizing tests
• Testing for error conditions
• Aggregating and running suites of tests
• Creating test coverage reports

Synchronizing Objects

Objective: Automatically trigger function calls in response to specific data changes. Determine which data changes to monitor and which functions to execute by utilizing events, listeners, and callbacks.

• Use events to specify data changes that need to be monitored
• Define listeners which trigger reactions to event
• Implement callbacks specifying code to be executed as a reaction