I.2 Parser

The parser has a number of variables that affect its internal operation. These variables are generally documented in the manual alongside the code that they affect. For example, allow_noninteger_range_as_index is discussed in the section on index expressions.

In addition, there are three non-specific parser customization functions. add_input_event_hook can be used to schedule a user function for periodic evaluation. remove_input_event_hook will stop a user function from being evaluated periodically.

Built-in Function: id = add_input_event_hook (fcn)

Built-in Function: id = add_input_event_hook (fcn, data)

Add the named function or function handle fcn to the list of functions to call periodically when Octave is waiting for input.

The function should have the form

fcn (data)

If data is omitted, Octave calls the function without any arguments.

The returned identifier may be used to remove the function handle from the list of input hook functions.

See also: remove_input_event_hook.

Built-in Function: remove_input_event_hook (name)

Built-in Function: remove_input_event_hook (fcn_id)

Remove the named function or function handle with the given identifier from the list of functions to call periodically when Octave is waiting for input.

See also: add_input_event_hook.

Finally, when the parser cannot identify an input token it calls a particular function to handle this. By default, this is the internal function "__unimplemented__" which makes suggestions about possible Octave substitutes for MATLAB functions.

Built-in Function: val = missing_function_hook ()

Built-in Function: old_val = missing_function_hook (new_val)

Built-in Function: missing_function_hook (new_val, "local")

Query or set the internal variable that specifies the function to call when an unknown identifier is requested.

When called from inside a function with the "local" option, the variable is changed locally for the function and any subroutines it calls. The original variable value is restored when exiting the function.

See also: missing_component_hook.