Whitespace is generally not significant to the computer, but it makes a big difference to code’s readability to humans. Take a look at the following examples.
Can(you, tell, at + a, glance, which * of, these,
parameters, is(the, eighth), one);
This(is, ...
much, ...
nicer);
This=is+almost*(as-annoying);
This = is + much * (more - readable);
You can define functions inside other functions – known as ‘nested’ functions – which can improve the readability of the code and save you from having to use multiple files. In the following example of nested functions, note how indentation helps to distinguish functions from each other. (This can be done automatically within the MATLAB editor by using the smart indent command in the ‘Text’ menu or the ‘Ctrl-I’ command in Windows.)
function A(x, y) % Primary function
B(x, y);
D(y);
function B(x, y) % Nested in A
C(x);
D(y);
function C(x) % Nested in B
D(x);
end
end
function D(x) % Nested in A
z = x + y;
end
end
Look up nested functions in the MATLAB help system.