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Inline State Functions in Generated Code

Inlined Generated Code for State Functions

By default, the code generator uses an internal heuristic to determine whether to inline generated code for state functions. The heuristic takes into consideration an inlining threshold. As code grows and shrinks in size, generated code for state functions can be unpredictable.

If your model includes Stateflow® objects and you have rigorous requirements for traceability between generated code and the corresponding state functions, you can override the default behavior. Use the state property Function Inline Option to explicitly force or prevent inlining of state functions.

What Happens When You Force Inlining

If you force inlining for a state, the code generator inlines code for state actions into the parent function. The parent function contains code for executing the state actions, outer transitions, and flow charts. It does not include code for empty state actions.

What Happens When You Prevent Inlining

If you prevent inlining for a state, the code generator produces these static functions for state foo.

FunctionDescription

enter_atomic_foo

Marks foo active and performs entry actions.

enter_internal_foo

Calls default paths.

inner_default_foo

Executes flow charts that originate when an inner transition and default transition reach the same junction inside a state.

The code generator produces this function only when the flow chart is complex enough to exceed the inlining threshold.

In generated code, Stateflow software calls this function from both the enter_internal_foo and foo functions.

foo

Checks for valid outer transitions and if none, performs during actions.

exit_atomic_foo

Performs exit actions and marks foo inactive.

exit_internal_foo

Performs exit actions of the child substates and then exits foo.

Suppose the following chart is in model M.

If you prevent inlining for state A, the code generator produces this code.

static void M_inner_default_A(void);
static void M_exit_atomic_A(void);
static void M_A(void);
static void M_enter_atomic_A(void);
static void M_enter_internal_A(void);

How to Set the State Function Inline Option

To set the function inlining property for a state:

  1. Right-click inside the state and, from the context menu, select Properties.

    The State properties dialog box opens.

  2. For property Function Inline Option, select one of these values.

    ValueBehavior
    InlineForces inlining of state functions into the parent function, as long as the function is not part of a recursion. See What Happens When You Force Inlining.
    FunctionPrevents inlining of state functions. Generates up to six static functions for the state. See What Happens When You Prevent Inlining.
    AutoUses internal heuristics to determine whether or not to inline the state functions.

  3. Click Apply.

Best Practices for Controlling State Function Inlining

ToSet Function Inline Option Property To
Generate a separate function for each action of a state and a separate function for each action of its substatesFunction for the state and each substate
Generate a separate function for each action of a state, but include code for the associated action of its substatesFunction for the state and Inline for each substate