How do I access the source code for built-in functions and applications in MATLAB?

Is the source code for built-in functions such as EIG, FFT, RAND, SORT, or backslash (\) available? What about built-in applications such as the Matching Network Designer App?

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

A built-in function is part of the MATLAB executable. MATLAB does not implement these functions in the MATLAB language. Although most built-in functions have a M-file associated with them, this file only supplies documentation for the function. The source code detailing the implementation of built-in functions and applications is confidential and proprietary information of MathWorks, Inc. We cannot send the source code for functions or applications to customers.

However, some details about the algorithms used for many of these functions, including EIG, FFT, and the backslash (\), are available in the help documentation. Please type:

doc eig
doc fft
doc mldivide

from the MATLAB command prompt.

If you are interested in the RAND or RANDN functions, you can read more information about them in two Cleve's Corner articles available at the following locations:

https://www.mathworks.com/company/technical-articles/random-thoughts.html

https://www.mathworks.com/company/technical-articles/normal-behavior.html

If you are interested in the Matching Network Designer App, you can learn more about the functions used in the application at the following documentation link: 

https://www.mathworks.com/help/rf/matching-network-design.html