Scope Variables and Generate Names

R2026b

Share data between functions or workspaces, generate valid variable names

Each function has its own workspace, which is separate from the base workspace that is reserved for scripts and the command line. For the preferred ways to pass data between functions, see Share Data Between Workspaces.

Functions

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Scope Variables

`persistent`	Define persistent variable
`assignin`	Assign value to variable in specified workspace
`global`	Declare variables as global
`mlock`	Prevent clearing function or script from memory
`munlock`	Allow clearing function or script from memory
`mislocked`	Determine if function or script is locked in memory

Pass Variables Between Workspaces

`matlab.lang.Workspace`	Store workspace variables (Since R2025a)
`matlab.lang.Workspace.baseWorkspace`	Store variables from base workspace (Since R2025a)
`matlab.lang.Workspace.currentWorkspace`	Store variables from current workspace (Since R2025a)
`matlab.lang.Workspace.globalWorkspace`	Store variables from global workspace (Since R2025a)
`variables`	Information about workspace variables (Since R2025a)
`variableNames`	Names of variables in workspace (Since R2025a)
`evaluateAndCapture`	Evaluate MATLAB code in specified workspace (Since R2025a)

Generate Variable Names

`isvarname`	Determine if input is valid variable name
`matlab.lang.makeUniqueStrings`	Construct unique strings from input strings
`matlab.lang.makeValidName`	Construct valid MATLAB identifiers from input strings
`namelengthmax`	Maximum identifier length

Topics

Base and Function Workspaces

The base workspace stores variables that you create at the command line or by running scripts in the Editor. To protect data integrity, every function has its own workspace that is separate from the base workspace and all other workspaces.
- Share Data Between Workspaces
Check Variable Scope in Editor
Use MATLAB^® function and variable highlighting features to identify when and where your code uses a particular function or variable.
Variable Names
Create valid variable names and avoid potential naming conflicts.
Transparency in MATLAB Code
Write code that MATLAB can optimize more effectively.

Troubleshooting

Resolve Error: Attempt to Add Variable to a Static Workspace.

Troubleshoot errors when attempting to add variables to nested and anonymous functions. Variables used within nested and anonymous functions must be present in the text of the code. If you add a variable to the workspace of an anonymous function, a nested function, or a function that contains a nested function dynamically, MATLAB issues an error.

Teaching Resources

Programming: Structuring Code

Learn how to write and document functions, and how to debug, comment on, and share your code.