Matlab Script and Function Quiz
40 comprehensive questions on MATLAB script files and function programming, covering .m file structure, input/output parameters, variable scope management, anonymous function creation, and documentation techniques — with 16 code examples to master MATLAB's functional programming capabilities.
40 Questions
~80 minutes
1
Question 1
What is the file extension for MATLAB script and function files?
A
.m extension is used for both scripts and functions in MATLAB
B
.mat extension for scripts and .m for functions
C
.txt extension for all MATLAB files
D
.ml extension for MATLAB language files
2
Question 2
How do you create a simple MATLAB script file?
matlab
function myScript
% My first script
disp('Hello, MATLAB!')
endA
Create a .m file with MATLAB commands, no function declaration needed for scripts
B
Scripts must always be functions with inputs and outputs
C
Use special script() function to create scripts
D
Scripts cannot be saved as files
3
Question 3
What is the difference between a script and a function in MATLAB?
A
Scripts operate on workspace variables directly while functions have their own local workspace and require explicit input/output parameters
B
Functions are simpler than scripts
C
Scripts and functions are identical
D
Functions cannot access workspace variables
4
Question 4
How do you define a function with multiple inputs and outputs?
matlab
function [out1, out2] = myFunction(in1, in2)
out1 = in1 + in2;
out2 = in1 * in2;
endA
Use function keyword with square brackets for multiple outputs and parentheses for inputs
B
Multiple I/O requires separate function calls
C
Functions can only have one input and one output
D
Use special multi() function for multiple parameters
5
Question 5
What happens to variables created inside a function?
matlab
function result = computeSum(a, b)
temp = a + b;
result = temp * 2;
endA
Local variables like temp exist only within function scope and are cleared when function ends
B
Function variables become global automatically
C
Variables persist in workspace after function execution
D
Local variables cannot be created in functions
6
Question 6
How do you declare a global variable in MATLAB?
matlab
global myGlobalVar
myGlobalVar = 42;A
Use global keyword before variable name to make it accessible across functions and workspace
B
Variables are global by default
C
Use global() function call
D
Global variables are not supported in MATLAB
7
Question 7
What is an anonymous function in MATLAB?
matlab
square = @(x) x.^2;A
Inline function defined using @ operator, created without separate .m file for simple operations
B
Functions without names
C
Functions that cannot be saved
D
Anonymous functions are not supported
8
Question 8
How do you add help documentation to a function?
matlab
function result = myFunction(x)
%MYFUNCTION Computes something with input x
% RESULT = MYFUNCTION(X) processes the input
% and returns a result.
%
% See also OTHERFUNCTION
result = x * 2;
endA
Add comment lines starting with % immediately after function declaration to create accessible help text
B
Use help() function inside the function
C
Documentation is automatic
D
Functions cannot have documentation
9
Question 9
What is the purpose of the nargin and nargout functions?
matlab
function result = flexibleFunction(varargin)
if nargin == 1
result = varargin{1} * 2;
else
result = sum(cell2mat(varargin));
end
endA
nargin returns number of input arguments, nargout returns number of output arguments for flexible function interfaces
B
They count function lines
C
They are used for error checking only
D
These functions don't exist in MATLAB
10
Question 10
How do you handle variable number of inputs using varargin?
matlab
function result = sumAll(varargin)
result = sum(cell2mat(varargin));
endA
Use varargin as input parameter to accept any number of arguments as cell array
B
varargin is for output arguments
C
Variable inputs require separate parameters
D
varargin is not a MATLAB keyword
11
Question 11
What is function precedence in MATLAB?
A
Built-in functions take precedence over user-defined functions with same name, allowing customization while preserving original functionality
B
User functions always override built-ins
C
Functions are called in alphabetical order
D
Precedence depends on file location
12
Question 12
How do you create a function handle?
matlab
f = @sin;
result = f(pi/2);A
Use @ operator before function name to create handle that can be passed as argument or stored in variables
B
Use handle() function
C
Function handles are created automatically
D
Function handles are not supported
13
Question 13
What is the difference between local and global variables?
A
Local variables exist only within their function scope, global variables persist across entire MATLAB session and are shared between functions
B
Global variables are faster than local ones
C
There is no difference in MATLAB
D
Local variables cannot be used in functions
14
Question 14
How do you use anonymous functions with multiple statements?
A
Anonymous functions are limited to single expressions, multiple statements require regular function files
B
Use semicolons to separate statements in anonymous functions
C
Anonymous functions can have multiple statements
D
Use special multi-statement syntax
15
Question 15
What does the exist() function check?
matlab
if exist('myVar', 'var')
disp('Variable exists');
endA
Checks existence of variables, functions, files, or folders with different type specifiers
B
Checks if variable has valid value
C
Checks variable type only
D
exist() is not a MATLAB function
16
Question 16
How do you create nested functions in MATLAB?
matlab
function outerFunction(x)
function innerFunction(y)
disp(y);
end
innerFunction(x);
endA
Define functions inside other functions to create nested scope with access to parent variables
B
Use special nest() function
C
Nested functions are not supported
D
Functions can only be nested one level deep
17
Question 17
What is the purpose of the persistent keyword?
A
Creates variables that retain values between function calls, unlike local variables that reset each time
B
Makes variables global
C
Variables are persistent by default
D
Persistent variables cannot be used
18
Question 18
How do you handle errors in MATLAB functions?
A
Use try-catch blocks to handle exceptions and prevent function crashes with graceful error handling
B
Errors stop function execution automatically
C
Use error() function only
D
Error handling is not supported in functions
19
Question 19
What is a subfunction in MATLAB?
A
Additional functions defined in same .m file after main function, accessible only within that file
B
Functions that are smaller than main function
C
Subfunctions are not allowed
D
All functions in a file are equally accessible
20
Question 20
How do you pass functions as arguments to other functions?
matlab
function result = applyFunction(func, data)
result = func(data);
end
% Usage:
result = applyFunction(@sin, pi/2);A
Use function handles created with @ operator to pass functions as parameters for higher-order programming
B
Functions cannot be passed as arguments
C
Use special pass() function
D
Only built-in functions can be passed
21
Question 21
What is the significance of function input validation in MATLAB?
A
Validating inputs with functions like narginchk, validateattributes, or assert ensures functions receive correct data types and ranges, preventing runtime errors and providing clear error messages to users about proper usage
B
Input validation slows down functions unnecessarily
C
MATLAB automatically validates all inputs
D
Input validation is not possible in MATLAB functions
22
Question 22
How do you create a function that returns multiple values conditionally?
A
Use nargout to check how many outputs caller expects and return appropriate number of values, enabling flexible function interfaces that adapt to caller's needs
B
Functions must always return the same number of outputs
C
Use conditional statements in return statement
D
Multiple conditional returns are not supported
23
Question 23
What is the role of comments in function documentation?
A
Well-written comments explain function purpose, inputs, outputs, examples, and limitations, making code self-documenting and accessible to other developers through help system
B
Comments are ignored by MATLAB and serve no purpose
C
Comments slow down function execution
D
Only built-in functions need documentation
24
Question 24
How do you optimize function performance in MATLAB?
A
Use vectorized operations instead of loops, preallocate arrays, avoid global variables when possible, and consider function handle overhead for frequently called functions
B
Functions are automatically optimized
C
Use more global variables for speed
D
Performance optimization is not needed in MATLAB
25
Question 25
What is function overloading in MATLAB?
A
MATLAB does not support traditional function overloading by signature, but different functions can have same name if in different files, with precedence rules determining which executes
B
Functions can have multiple signatures like in other languages
C
Overloading is automatic based on input types
D
Function overloading is fully supported with different parameter lists
26
Question 26
How do you create recursive functions in MATLAB?
matlab
function result = factorial(n)
if n <= 1
result = 1;
else
result = n * factorial(n-1);
end
endA
Functions can call themselves with modified parameters, enabling recursive algorithms for problems like factorial or tree traversal
B
Recursion is not supported in MATLAB
C
Use special recursive() function
D
Recursion requires global variables
27
Question 27
What is the difference between scripts and functions regarding variable scope?
A
Scripts share workspace with caller, modifying existing variables directly, while functions create isolated scope protecting caller's workspace from unintended modifications
B
Functions have broader scope than scripts
C
There is no scope difference
D
Scripts have more restricted scope
28
Question 28
How do you handle optional function parameters?
matlab
function result = processData(data, threshold)
if nargin < 2
threshold = 0.5; % default value
end
result = data > threshold;
endA
Use nargin to check provided arguments and assign default values for missing optional parameters
B
Optional parameters are not supported
C
Use special optional() syntax
D
All parameters must be provided
29
Question 29
What is a function workspace in MATLAB?
A
Each function execution creates its own workspace containing local variables, input parameters, and output variables, isolated from caller's workspace and other functions
B
All functions share the same workspace
C
Function workspaces are the same as script workspaces
D
Functions don't have workspaces
30
Question 30
How do you debug MATLAB functions effectively?
A
Use breakpoints, step through code, examine variables in debugger, add strategic display statements, and leverage MATLAB's debugging tools to isolate and fix issues in function logic
B
Functions cannot be debugged
C
Use print statements only
D
Debugging requires recompiling functions
31
Question 31
What is the purpose of the feval() function?
matlab
funcName = 'sin';
result = feval(funcName, pi/2);A
Evaluates function specified by string name with given arguments, enabling dynamic function calls based on runtime conditions
B
Evaluates mathematical expressions
C
Checks function validity
D
feval() is not a MATLAB function
32
Question 32
How do you create function templates or boilerplate code?
A
Develop standard function structures with consistent documentation format, input validation, error handling, and return value patterns that can be copied and modified for new functions
B
MATLAB provides automatic templates
C
Templates are not useful in MATLAB
D
Use special template() function
33
Question 33
What is the significance of function naming conventions in MATLAB?
A
Descriptive, lowercase names with underscores for readability help other developers understand function purpose and improve code maintainability across collaborative projects
B
Function names can be any length with any characters
C
Naming conventions are not important
D
MATLAB enforces strict naming rules automatically
34
Question 34
How do you handle large datasets in MATLAB functions?
A
Use memory-efficient techniques like processing data in chunks, avoiding unnecessary copies, using appropriate data types, and leveraging MATLAB's memory management features for large array operations
B
Large datasets cannot be handled in functions
C
Use global variables for all data
D
Memory management is automatic
35
Question 35
What is the role of assertions in MATLAB functions?
matlab
function result = divideNumbers(a, b)
assert(b ~= 0, 'Division by zero');
result = a / b;
endA
assert() statements validate assumptions during development and testing, throwing errors with custom messages when conditions fail, helping catch logic errors early
B
Assertions slow down production code
C
Assertions are only for built-in functions
D
Assertions are not supported
36
Question 36
How do you create modular code using functions?
A
Break complex tasks into smaller, focused functions with single responsibilities, clear interfaces, and minimal dependencies to create maintainable and testable code components
B
Put everything in one large function
C
Modularity is not important in MATLAB
D
Use scripts for modularity
37
Question 37
What is the impact of function call overhead in MATLAB?
A
Each function call has small overhead for workspace creation and parameter passing, so very frequent calls to simple functions may impact performance compared to inlined code
B
Function calls have no overhead
C
Overhead makes functions unusable
D
Overhead is the same for all languages
38
Question 38
How do you ensure function portability across different MATLAB versions?
A
Use version-checking code, avoid deprecated functions, test across versions, and document version requirements to ensure functions work reliably in different MATLAB environments
B
Functions are automatically portable
C
Portability is not a concern
D
Use only the latest MATLAB features
39
Question 39
What is the relationship between functions and the MATLAB path?
A
MATLAB searches path directories to locate function files, so proper path management ensures functions are found and executed correctly when called
B
Functions don't use the path system
C
Path only affects scripts
D
Path management is automatic
40
Question 40
Considering MATLAB's function system as a whole, what fundamental programming principle does it enable that transforms interactive computing into structured development?
A
Modular programming through reusable function components with defined interfaces, enabling code organization, testing, maintenance, and collaboration in complex computational projects
B
Object-oriented programming only
C
Automatic code generation
D
Compiled execution