How to declare an array whose name is contained in a variable?

Question

Let's say, I have a variable, arrayName = 'array1'. Then, I wish to declare an array whose name is the value of the variable arrayName, i.e. 'array1'.

I don't think

arrayName = []

will work.

I am using MATLAB, but I think this question is a generic question.

Edric · Accepted Answer · 2014-02-11 07:15:13Z

4

One other option is to use ASSIGNIN, which makes it easier to specify the value. In your case, you might replace EVAL with

assignin('caller', arrayName, magic(4));

answered Feb 11, 2014 at 7:15

Edric

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Marcin · Accepted Answer · 2014-02-11 05:28:30Z

3

Using eval you could do it as follows:

   arrayName = 'array1';

   if isvarname(arrayName)
       eval([arrayName, ' = [];']); 
   end

answered Feb 11, 2014 at 5:28

Marcin

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2 Comments

Sibbs Gambling Over a year ago

This works like a charm! Thanks a lot! One follow-up question: The if is just to ensure that arrayName is a variable right? If I know this for sure, can I leave it out？

Marcin Over a year ago

@FarticlePilter Yes you can. isvarname checks if string can be a variable, e.g. it does not start with 1.

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