How do I make an output variable from a sub-routine function a variable in the main function/script? I have a function that reads data from a .txt file (data for output variable) and I want that data in my main file. Is there something I'm missing?

function  [ Output ] = readData(inputvariable= opened .txt file)
data = fscanf( opened.txt, '%f', 4);
return
end

Answer 1

[Star Strider]

Without knowing more than you stated in your Question, I would code it (passing the argument) as :

function [ data ] = readData(inputvariable)

data = fscanf( inputvariable, '%f', 4);

return

end

Your ‘inputvariable’ argument is the file identification (’fid’) number of the file you already opened.

I would pass the filename and let the function open, read, and close the file, but you may have your own reasons for passing the file id to your function instead.

[Michael Polewski]

yes, I need to create several functions to read from one file, I'm just trying to get the data I read into the main file. I'm trying to find out how to get the local variable from the function into the main script without setting the data as a global variable. This is my first time using matlab, so I apologize if there is a simple function that allows me to do this.

[Star Strider]

You don’t need to set ‘data’ as a global variable. Just create it as an output (returned value) from your function, do not overwrite it in any subsequent assignments, and use it wherever you want.