Change a variable name in a dataset array

I would like to change the name of one of the variable names in a dataset array. I can do it like this

temp=get(DS);
vn=temp.VarNames;
vn{3}='new name';
set(DS,'VarNames',vn);

Is there an easier way to do this?

Answer 1

[Peter Perkins]

There is an easier way:

DS.Properties.VarNames{3} = 'NewName';

DS.Properties holds the array's metadata: variable and observation names, variable units and descriptions, and a description for the array itself, among others. You can see all that by typing

DS.Properties

BTW, there are two problems with the code as you've written it:

1) 'new name' isn't a valid MATLAB identifier, and so not a valid dataset variable name, and 2) calling set without assigning to something has no effect -- dataset arrays are not handles. You'd need to do this:

DS = set(DS,'VarNames',vn);

which is somewhat non-intuitive, and so you're better off accessing the metadata directly through .Properties.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

[dk]

I knew there should be an easier way. Thanks