Can I use MATLAB object-oriented class syntax to add methods to a Java class in MATLAB 7.3(R2006b)?

In MATLAB 7.2 (R2006a) I was able to add additional methods to Java classes by creating a MATLAB class directory (@<classname>) and defining functions. This no longer appears to work in R2006b.

For example: I wish to add a 'build' method to the native Java class 'java.util.Hashtable'. In a base directory, I create an '@java.util.Hashtable' directory, and inside it I put a 'build.m' function. Working in the base directory, I create an object of class 'java.util.Hashtable', and then attempt to invoke the 'build' method of that object. This worked in R2006a, but in R2006b returns the error:

 ??? Undefined function or method 'build' for input arguments of type 'java.util.Hashtable'.

I would like to have MATLAB revert to the older behavior, as this was a very useful tool in working between Java and MATLAB.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

The ability to use MATLAB object-oriented class syntax to add methods to a Java class is not available in MATLAB 7.3 (R2006b).

To work around this issue, you can create a new Java class that inherits from and extends the base class. Then create an object that is an instance of the extended class.