any workaround for deploying applications allowing users to define custom functions?

I'm developing a deployed application using Matlab 2018a. The application allows the users to perform multiphysics simulations.

In some cases, it is of interest to allow users to define their own functions, for example for material properties or for post-processing.

From this good post (and others), I know that I can't use the ADDPATH function in deployed applications:

https://blogs.mathworks.com/loren/2008/08/11/path-management-in-deployed-applications/

I understand the rationale: a deployed application should behave predictably and not be allowed to change its behavior. But in this application, users WANT the application to be customizable.

Do you have any idea? Is it completely crazy to try and find a workaround?

Answer 1

[Sean de Wolski]

If they want it to be customizable, then they need a MATLAB license and you can just give them the source code for the app so addpath etc. work.

[ER2018]

Sure, but it is not my intention to share the source code, which represents 99% of the application. The customized function would be <1% of the code, but still important.

[Sean de Wolski]

It is not possible to do this.

[Steven Lord]

Depending on the specific details of your application, generating pcode for your application and sending them the protected file(s) to run inside MATLAB may be an option.

[Walter Roberson]

But not for use with MATLAB Compiler