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I'm writing 2 functions in matlab, an initialize function and a function to insert items into an array treating it like a doubly-linked list. However, my initialize function only returns "ans =" and the initialized array. How can I have it also set values of my other variables? Here's my code: 

function [ array, listp, freep ] = initialize( size )
    array = zeros(size, 3);
    listp = 0;
    freep = 1;
end
Nick
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4 Answers4

92

Matlab allows you to return multiple values as well as receive them inline.

When you call it, receive individual variables inline:

[array, listp, freep] = initialize(size)
Mikhail
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    hmm I thought I tried that and it didn't work, but I guess I forgot the brackets. Thanks! – Nick Nov 15 '10 at 19:51
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    Also, if you've got a function output variable you don't need, but later ones that you do, the ~ character will avoid wasting memory on a junk variable. For example, `[array,~,freep]=initialize(size)` (Only in R2009b and later.) – Doresoom Nov 15 '10 at 20:10
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    @Nick you may want to consider to accept answer. 5 year is a long time, but I would say better late than never ;). – patrik Apr 10 '15 at 13:55
  • "seen Dec 8 '10 at 23:29" -- I don't think it'll get accepted :) – Mikhail Apr 10 '15 at 17:16
0

I think Octave only return one value which is the first return value, in your case, 'array'.

And Octave print it as "ans".

Others, 'listp','freep' were not printed.

Because it showed up within the function.

Try this out:

[ A, B, C] = initialize( 4 )

And the 'array','listp','freep' will print as A, B and C.

Franci
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-1

Change the function that you get one single Result=[array, listp, freep]. So there is only one result to be displayed

Maher Abuthraa
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Valdivia Fernando
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Use the following in the function you will call and it will work just fine.

     [a b c] = yourfunction(optional)
     %your code
     a = 5;
     b = 7;
     c = 10;
     return
     end

This is a way to call the function both from another function and from the command terminal

     [aa bb cc] = yourfunction(optional);

The variables aa, bb and cc now hold the return variables.

Fthi.a.Abadi
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