A MEX file is a type of

computer file A computer file is a computer resource for recording data in a computer storage device, primarily identified by its file name. Just as words can be written to paper, so can data be written to a computer file. Files can be shared with and trans ...

that provides an interface between

MATLAB MATLAB (an abbreviation of "MATrix LABoratory") is a proprietary multi-paradigm programming language and numeric computing environment developed by MathWorks. MATLAB allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementa ...

or Octave and functions written in C,

C++ C++ (pronounced "C plus plus") is a high-level general-purpose programming language created by Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup as an extension of the C programming language, or "C with Classes". The language has expanded significan ...

or Fortran. It stands for "MATLAB executable". When compiled, MEX files are dynamically loaded and allow external functions to be invoked from within MATLAB or Octave as if they were built-in functions. To support the development of MEX files, both MATLAB and Octave offer external interface functions that facilitate the transfer of data between MEX files and the workspace. In addition to MEX files, Octave has its own format using its own native

API An application programming interface (API) is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how ...

, with better performance.

References

External links

MEX-files guide from MathWorks
Data analysis software Numerical programming languages Cross-platform software Filename extensions {{Compu-stub