Does Matlab support destructor function in class?

For a normal class (not a handle class), can we set a destructor function so that when deleting a class instance, it does some house keeping work itself?

For example, I have a class containing a timer. When I delete the class, the timer handle is deleted, but the timer is still there and may be running. I have to remember to delete the timer manually before deleting the class.

Is Matlab considering adding this in newer versions? Thanks!

Answer 1

[Sean de Wolski]

You will have to write your own delete() method for the class. Then when you delete the object, this method is called and it stops/deletes the timer.

[Walter Roberson]

Would delete() be called automatically when an instance is cleaned up automatically such as it going out of scope?

[Daniel Shub]

I don't think so. Value classes do not have a delete method.

[Walter Roberson]

I should look again at how onCleanup() works.