Load a variable in workspace from a Function

How to load a variable (defined in a sub-function) into the workspace?

Answer 1

[Fangjun Jiang]

You need to clarify your question. Do you mean Matlab base workspace? You could declare the variable as global. However, many people will strongly against it.

help global

You could use return argument.

function [y1,y2]=MyFun(x1,x2)
y1=x1*x2;
y2=x1+x2;

when you call [z1,z2]=MyFun(1.1,2.2), you get the variable y1,y2 (defined in MyFun()).

[Chetan]

I have solved the problem using Assignin.

Apart from

1) returning

2) making the variable global

3) loading the variable in 'base' matlab workspace

is there any other way also?

Is global only applicable to variables or for structures too?

[Jan]

Variables can be STRUCTs, CELLs or other types. The GLOBAL variable can have any type.

There are a lot of good reasons *not* to use GLOBALs or ASSIGNIN. Both reduce the readability and maintainability of the code drastically. And because most programmer spend more time with creating and debugging than with running a code, a clean programing technique is strongly recommended.

[Fangjun Jiang]

@Chetan, I think your follow up questions are answered. The best approach really depends on your programming needs. If you described your original question more and provided an example, the answers would be more direct and right on target. Sounds like Paulo Silva read your mind. You should have accepted his answer.

Answer 2

[Paulo Silva]

assignin('base', 'VarNameYouWishAtWorkspace', VarNameAtYourFunction)

[Chetan]

Thank you for both of your answers. I used Assignin() that was really helpful. I was wondering (@Paulo: How did you come across this function?)

I have solved the problem using Assignin.

Apart from

1) returning

2) making the variable global

3) loading the variable in 'base' matlab workspace

is there any other way also?

Is global only applicable to variables or for structures too?

[Paulo Silva]

We can find all kinds of weird functions inside MATLAB, I used it the first time inside a GUI, there's also the evalin function that you can use for similar purposes, it can even execute code on the workspace (good to define global variables on the workspace).

Global can be applied to any kind of variable but most people will tell you not to use global variables.