How to use the value of a variable as a variable?

I will try to describe this the best I can. I have a variable A and its value is a string, lets say BC.

A = BC;

The value of A (BC in this case) is determined within a loop and changes. However, I want string BC to be turned into a variable where I can save more information. Specifically I want BC to be turned into a matrix that I can use later on.

Anyone have any tips on how I can do this?

Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

[owr]

You could use a structure and define fields indirectly using the current value of "A":

>> A = 'BC'

A =

BC

>> s.(A) = randn(3,3)

s = 

      BC: [3x3 double]

>> A = 'CD'

A =

CD

>> s.(A) = randn(4,4)

s = 

      BC: [3x3 double]
      CD: [4x4 double]

You can access the fields using the dynamically defined names:

>> s.BC

ans =

      1.4090   -1.2075    0.4889
      1.4172    0.7172    1.0347
      0.6715    1.6302    0.7269

>> s.CD

ans =

     -0.3034   -1.1471    1.4384   -1.7115
      0.2939   -1.0689    0.3252   -0.1022
     -0.7873   -0.8095   -0.7549   -0.2414
      0.8884   -2.9443    1.3703    0.3192

[Justin Callahan]

Thank you very much owr. It's so simple, I should have thought of it myself! Thanks again!

Answer 2

[Walter Roberson]

http://matlab.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ#How_can_I_create_variables_A1.2C_A2.2C....2CA10_in_a_loop.3F