MATLAB: What are built-in functions

built-inlapackMATLABsvd

I wanted to see the code of svd, but when I type edit svd.m I get a description of the code and a comment saying Built-in function. What does this exactly mean? That svd is written directly in C?

Best Answer

From the doc:
Functions that are frequently used or that can take more time to execute are often implemented as executable files. These functions are called built-ins.
Unlike MATLAB program file functions, you cannot see the source code for built-ins. Although most built-in functions do have a program file associated with them, this file is there mainly to supply the help documentation for the function.
http://www.mathworks.com/access/helpdesk/help/techdoc/matlab_prog/br65lhj-1.html#br65lhj-6
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