Variables and Workspace Interaction Flashcards

Which of the following variable names is INVALID in MATLAB?

Answer: 1stValue

MATLAB variable names must begin with a letter; `1stValue` starts with a digit and is therefore invalid.

What happens to a workspace variable if you declare a function with the same name in a script?

Answer: The function takes precedence over the variable during function calls

In MATLAB's precedence order, functions defined in the current scope shadow workspace variables when called as functions.

What is the maximum length of a MATLAB variable name?

Answer: 63 characters

MATLAB variable names can be at most 63 characters long; characters beyond that are ignored.

What does `save('backup.mat', '-append')` do when 'backup.mat' already exists?

Answer: Adds new variables without removing existing ones

The `-append` flag adds or updates variables in an existing .mat file without deleting variables that are already present.

What is stored in the MATLAB variable `ans` after executing `3 + 4` without assigning the result?

Answer: 7

`ans` is a special MATLAB variable that automatically stores the result of the most recent expression not assigned to a named variable.

After `load('data.mat')` is called, where do the variables from the file appear?

Answer: In the current workspace

By default, `load` places variables directly into the current (caller's) workspace.

Which command would you use to rename a workspace variable from `oldName` to `newName`?

Answer: newName = oldName; clear oldName

MATLAB has no `rename` command; the standard approach is to assign the value to a new name and then `clear` the old one.