---

11 Functions and Scripts

Complicated Octave programs can often be simplified by defining functions. Functions can be defined directly on the command line during interactive Octave sessions, or in external files, and can be called just like built-in functions.

• Introduction to Function and Script Files
• Defining Functions
• Returning from a Function
• Multiple Return Values
• Variable-length Return Lists
• Variable-length Argument Lists
• Ignoring Arguments
• Default Arguments
• Validating Arguments
• Function Files
• Script Files
• Function Handles and Anonymous Functions
• Command Syntax and Function Syntax
• Organization of Functions Distributed with Octave