Variable importing into code

Is there a way to import variables from work space into the code that genrrates them.

For example

x=20 random names

y=genvarname(x)

can i now import y into the code and use these variables

[Stephen23]

Don't do that.

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/304528-tutorial-why-variables-should-not-be-named-dynamically-eval

Use a structure, any other array (cell, ND numeric, etc) with indexing, or a table, etc.

[Guillaume]

I think that maybe you're asking the wrong question.

As others have said, creating dynamically named variables is a bad idea (for many reasons). There are other more reliable methods such as structures with dynamic fields or better a table if all these variables are the same size. And we can show you how to do that if that's indeed what you need to do.

However, the fact that you want to do this is puzzling. So what's your use case? It may be that you're approaching this completely the wrong way and a completely different approach would solve your problem more easily.

Answer 1

[Star Strider]

I would import ‘y’ as an array of some type (numeric, cell, table, etc.) and refer to the individual elements in your calculations. Dynamic variable creation is not considered good programming practice.

Answer 2

[SRT HellKitty]

I think this is the answer that you are looking for. Basically you can use evalin or assignin to do this and I cannot think of a better way this can be done unless there is a more elegant solution using get_param/getVariable. It is not recommended to use evalin and assignin for the reasons listed in This FAQ page. So if this can be avoided, that would be best otherwise this should get the job done!

[Matt Brianik]

Thanks, but this confused me a little bit, I guess I should be more clear. I have a column of text I would like to use as variable names. this is in a cell array. how do i make it so that i can assign the text names as variables to be used in the rest of my program?

[Walter Roberson]

Don't do that.

http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/304528-tutorial-why-variables-should-not-be-named-dynamically-eval

[Matt Brianik]

so what method would you suggest I do to accomplish this, I'm not a strong programmer and simpler is best?

[Walter Roberson]

Use a struct, or possibly a table(), or just second cell array with the same number of elements as the first and index it at corresponding locations.

Answer 3

[Matt Brianik]

Can you show an example, I'm having trouble grasping this?

[Walter Roberson]

https://blogs.mathworks.com/loren/2005/12/13/use-dynamic-field-references/