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C MEX File Applications

Write C/C++ programs using mxArray that work with MATLAB^®

Note

Functions in the C MEX APIs work with the MATLAB mxArray data type, which is defined in the C Matrix API. To write applications using modern C++ features, see C++ MEX Applications.

You can call your own C or C++ programs from the MATLAB command line as if they were built-in functions. These programs are called MEX files and the function name is the MEX file name.

To create a MEX file, write your programs using MATLAB APIs. The functions in these libraries facilitate the transfer of data between MEX files and the workspace. Choose either the C Matrix API or the MATLAB Data API; you cannot mix functions from these APIs.

C Matrix API and the C MEX API. These APIs use the MATLAB mxArray data type.
MATLAB Data API. This API defines the matlab::data::Array class and uses features from modern C++. For more information, see C++ MEX Applications.

Build your source file into an executable program using the mex function. You can also share the MEX file with other MATLAB users.

If you have a C/C++ program and want to call MATLAB functions from the program, then use one of the engine APIs.

If you want to read and write MATLAB data from C/C++ programs, then use the MATLAB C API to Read MAT-File Data.

C MEX API
Use this library to perform operations in the MATLAB environment from C/C++ MEX files using mxArray
C Source MEX Files
Write C/C++ functions using MATLAB mxArray API libraries
Executable C MEX Files
Build C/C++ subroutines into MATLAB functions
Share MEX Files
Share MEX files with other MATLAB users
Troubleshoot MEX Files
Common errors creating and using MEX files