OVERVIEW

The organization of this book breaks MATLAB object-oriented programming into three sections. The first section covers the required elements and focuses on developing a set of functions that give MATLAB objects first-class status within the environment. In the first section, we will develop a group of eight indispensable functions. These functions provide object initialization, a simple intuitive interface, interaction with the environment s features, and array capability. Even more important, the group of eight is responsible for an object-oriented concept called encapsulation. Encapsulation is fundamental to using object-oriented programming as a better, safer alternative to structures. The default functions in MATLAB seem to be at odds with the information-hiding principle of encapsulation; but the group of eight brings MATLAB back under control. By the end of the first section, you will have an excellent working knowledge of MATLAB s object-oriented capability and be able to use object-oriented programming techniques to improve software development.

The second section builds on the first by developing strategies and implementations that allow the construction of hierarchies without compromises. Such hierarchies are important for achieving true object-oriented programming. The concept of building the next layer of functionality on a firm foundation of mature code is very compelling and often elusive. Encapsulation certainly helps, but another object-oriented concept called inheritance makes it much easier to build and traverse an organizational hierarchy. With inheritance, each successive layer simply builds up additional capability without changing code in the foundation. As the code matures, bug fixes simply make the foundation stronger.