simulink mask callback adding variables to workspace

Hi, I have a subsystem with a mask and a callback function based on what option the user chooses in the mask dialogue. I set some variables in the callback function as below

rev = 1

The variable appears in the matlab workspace. Is there a way to keep the variable from appearing in the workspace but still be able to use it in the callback function code? Thanks, Amish

Answer 1

[Sebastian Castro]

You can take all that initialization code and move it from a block callback to the "Initialization" tab of the Mask Editor. The variables created will belong only to the masked block's workspace, so they cannot be tampered with in the base workspace.

http://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/initialize-mask.html

- Sebastian

[Amish Rughoonundon]

cool that works. I am now officially puzzled as to when to use the callback code and when to use the initialization code. I read the documentation but it's unclear why anybody would use callbacks at all

[Sebastian Castro]

Well, the callbacks work for any block -- whether it is a masked subsystem or not.

With a masked subsystem, you get the advantage of having a local block workspace, which lends itself out for self-contained initialization code.

On the other hand, block callbacks give you control of other events besides initialization. There's a whole list of them including copy, paste, open (double-click), etc. so there's more freedom to insert code snippets at key instances if you need to.