What is the best way to handle huge number of variables when preparing a UI?

Dear All, I coded a UI with MATLAB in which I require a lot of variables from the user. Since during the execution of the UI I need some of them I decided to save all data in *.mat files which are read and written during the execution of the UI. The problem of this implementation is that *.mat can be very big. Thus, I'm thinking about writing variables on file (perhaps binaries) Is there a smart and easy way of achieving this?

Answer 1

[Stephen23]

The smart and easy way would be to use mat files.

mat files are binary files, and since version seven have been compressed as well:

http://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/import_export/mat-file-versions.html

Why reinvent the wheel ?

If you are worried about the filesize or save / load times, then read these:

http://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_oop/reduce-mat-file-size-for-saved-objects.html

http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/97592-how-does-the-compression-of-mat-files-in-matlab-7-0-r14-affect-performance

http://undocumentedmatlab.com/blog/improving-save-performance

PS: the most important thing to remember is to always load into a variable:

S = load(...);

and never load variables directly into the workspace.

[Nicholas]

Thank you very much for your quick reply. I'll take a look at the links you posted. In case I have other issues I'll write them down here.