The hnum class is a handle to a value class (uint8, double, etc). It acts like a pointer, but isn't really a pointer. Operating on an hnum class does not require "x = x + 1". Using "x+1" will permanantly modify it's value. Copying an hnum object only creates a copy to it's handle, and doesn't copy it's data. In the example "y = x", if x changes, y also changes.
There are two subscripting modes for the hnum class. The default is 'normal'. In the normal mode, "a = x(1:3)" returns a value, not a handle. In the 'pointer' mode, "a = x(1:3)" returns a pointer to the first three
elements of x. This is a subscripthandle class. Modifying 'a' modifies the elements of 'x' that 'a' points to.
Some things to try
x = hnum(magic(5),'pointer') %a magic square that returns pointers when subscripted
a = x(5:7) %Creates a pointer to part of x
a(:) = sin(a) %This changes some values of x. note: a = sin(a) returns a double
a(1:end) = 500 %Subscripting subscript handles is also valid
Most of the functions of both classes were generated using a macro function. This was done to save time, as there are 100+ functions to overload. Because of this, not all functions allow as many inputs as their builtin versions. Some of the builtin functions were left out because they needed more than 2 inputs. See the two files in the 'Macro' directory for more information.
Watch out for memory leaks. Always delete an hnum object before replacing it.
x = hnum(1)
a = x(a)
x = 5 % This does not delete what 'x' used to be. Use delete(x) before.
a % 'a' keeps the previous x in memory even though you can't access it.
Jon Danisch (2022). Pointers and subscript pointers (https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/30223-pointers-and-subscript-pointers), MATLAB Central File Exchange. Retrieved .
MATLAB Release Compatibility
Platform CompatibilityWindows macOS Linux
Community Treasure Hunt
Find the treasures in MATLAB Central and discover how the community can help you!Start Hunting!