Transparency in MATLAB code refers to MATLAB's ability to identify all variables by scanning the code while ignoring comments, character vectors or strings. Transparent access is necessary in contexts like function argument validation and parallel computing.
To be transparent, variable names must be explicitly referred. Transparency violations occur when variables appear out of nowhere. Some examples:
- The use of eval(), assignin(), or any of their cousins
- Calling scripts within a function or script
- Loading data from mat files without assigning it to a variable
- Dynamically named variables
- Using command form syntax: e.g. clear z as opposed to clear('z')
If you have access to the R2025a documentation, search for "Transparency in MATLAB code" for more information.
