Why is @(x) used in matlab and how does it work?

pdfx = @(x) 2*sqrt(x);          % Define PDF
x = rand(1,100000);             % Generate Random ‘x’
px = pdfx(x);                   % Generate Data

This is a piece of code used to generate a random variable of self defined pdf. Why is @(x) used here and how is it working.

Answer 1

[KALYAN ACHARJYA]

Its creates the function handle, I suggest ti go through the following MATLAB Documentation, and any issue let us know here

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_prog/creating-a-function-handle.html

1.See the example, the first line cretes the function named as "pdfx" (Function is 2*sqrt(x))

pdfx = @(x) 2*sqrt(x); 

2. Next you have defined x some random data

x = rand(1,100000);             % Generate Random ‘x’

3. Passing the x values in the function pdfx as defined

px = pdfx(x);  

Its similar to, defined the function file

function y=pdfx(x)
y =2*sqrt(x);
end 

Now call the function

x = rand(1,100000);    
px = pdfx(x);

Please go through the above mentioned link, you will get more information

Experts any comments please (If I missed any important issue)

Answer 2

[madhan ravi]

It’s just a matter of choice as Kalyan mentioned above how it works. The usage depends completely on the coder. As pdfx(...) was defined before generation of data , it was defined as a function handle here. It’s equivalent to pdfx = ... without @(x) after generation of x.

[KALYAN ACHARJYA]

OK Thanks

[Alekhya]

Its not equivalent to pdfx(...) without @(x) after generation of x.

>>  x = rand(1,100000);               
px = pdfx(2*sqrt(x));
 

It is giving an error "Array indices must be positive integers or logical values"

[madhan ravi]

I meant to say

pdfx = 2*sqrt(x)