Handle Classes

Handle classes support reference semantics

A handle class constructor returns a handle object that is a reference to the object created. You can assign the handle object to multiple variables or pass it to functions without causing MATLAB^® to make a copy of the original object. For a discussion of how to work with handle objects, see Handle Object Behavior.

Functions

`isequal`	Determine array equality
`eq`	Determine equality
`matlab.lang.invalidHandle`	Construct array of invalid handles (Since R2024b)

Classes

`handle`	Superclass of all handle classes
`matlab.mixin.SetGet`	Provide handle classes with set and get methods
`matlab.mixin.SetGetExactNames`	Require exact name match for set and get methods
`dynamicprops`	Superclass for classes that support dynamic properties
`matlab.mixin.Copyable`	Superclass providing copy functionality for handle objects
`matlab.lang.WeakReference`	Weak reference to handle object (Since R2024b)
`matlab.lang.HandlePlaceholder`	Basic subclass of `handle` (Since R2024b)

Methods

`addlistener`	Create event listener bound to event source
`listener`	Create event listener without binding to event source
`notify`	Notify listeners that event is occurring
`delete`	Delete handle object
`findobj`	Find handle objects
`findprop`	Find `matlab.metadata.Property` object
`isvalid`	Determine valid handles
`relationaloperators`	Determine equality or sort handle objects

Topics

Characteristics of Handle and Value Classes

Comparison of Handle and Value Classes
Value objects are associated with a specific variable. Handle objects can be referenced by multiple variables.
Which Kind of Class to Use
Whether you implement a handle or value class depends on what your class represents and how you want objects to behave.
Handle Object Behavior
MATLAB handle variables support reference semantics.

Building on the Handle Class

The Handle Superclass
The handle class implements methods to support events and listeners, destructors, relational operations, and other operations.
Handle Class Destructor
Define a delete method to customize what happens when MATLAB destroys handle objects.

Working with Handle Classes

Find Handle Objects and Properties
Find objects using regular expressions or obtain the matlab.metadata.Property object for specific properties.
Implement Set/Get Interface for Properties
Create a set/get interface for your handle class.
Implement Copy for Handle Classes
Customize object copy operations by deriving from the matlab.mixin.Copyable class.
Handle Compatible Classes
Enable both handle and value classes to derive from a specific class.
Weak Reference Handles
Create weak references to handle classes. (Since R2024b)