Is there something like a "pre-build" callback function?

Question

I have a Simulink model, the purpose of which is automated code generation.

My model uses S-functions (developed by another party), which has hard-coded assumptions about the path. For instance, several external data files are needed, which are referenced in the S-function via a relative path like ..\Bin\data\datafile.bin. This makes it necessary to set MATLAB's current working directory to a specific path before the model can be run.

I can automatically check and set the correct path via model callback functions. However, all model callback functions only seem to be related to the simulation process, not the build process. That means that I can run the model irrespective of what directory I'm in, but when I try to build the model, it always fails unless I manually navigate MATLAB back to the correct directory.

Needless to say, that's quite annoying. So I was wondering if there is something like a "preBuildFcn" callback fnuction, a function that is run before starting the build process? Any other solution (that does not involve modifying the S-function) is also very welcome.

Answer 1

There are plenty of hooks into the build process of Simulink / Embedded Coder ('entry', 'before_tlc', 'after_tlc', 'before_make', 'after_make', 'exit', and 'error'). I assume you want an 'entry' hook.

All you need to do is write an M-function with the name your_system_target_file name_make_rtw_hook, as explained in the documentation Customize Build Process with STF_make_rtw_hook File.

In case you can't open the online documentation (login required), here is the path to the HTML in your MATLAB installation: MATLAB root\help\rtw\ug\customizing-the-target-build-process-with-the-stf-make-rtw-hook-file.html