translating a script into a function and executing it in the base workspace

function test()
  fsw = System.IO.FileSystemWatcher();
  fsw.Path = 'C:\Users\wolfgang';
  fsw.Filter = 'test.csv';
  fsw.EnableRaisingEvents = true;
  listenerhandle = addlistener(fsw, 'Changed', @(~,~)testing1234(q,a));
  %signature of importfcn is function importfcn(sender, eventargs)
  %add a small delay in importfcn before reading the file as the event is raised
  %to make sure that file modification is complete
end

I need the above script to be written as a function so that it gets executed in the base workspace. How can I do that?

yI use assignin('base','fsw',fsw) and it gets to the base workspace. However, somehow i get an error when i do assignin('base','fsw.Filter',fsw.Filter). Why do I get that error?

[per isakson]

• "the above script to be written as a function" &nbsp The code above is already a function. See Scripts vs. Functions
• "Why do I get that error?" &nbsp because "'fsw.Filter'" is not a legal name of a variable

Answer 1

[Image Analyst]

Let's say it's called test.m. Simply put this line at the beginning of the file to turn it from a script into a function

function test()

[AA]

The variables associated with this code do not appear in the base workspace but the function workspace. I want it to be run as a function and appear in the base workspace.

[per isakson]

functions use their own workspace. That cannot be changed.

[AA]

yeah i can change it. I use assignin('base','fsw',fsw) and it gets to the base workspace. However, somehow i get an error when i do assignin('base','fsw.Filter',fsw.Filter). Why do I get that error?

[Image Analyst]

There's no reason to send your functions variables directly to the base workspace. See the FAQ

If you want them there then the functions should just return them and you call the function from a simple script.

[AA]

How can I incorporate a code in the function so that the external script gets executed and the variables get enlisted in the base workspace? If I achieve this then I do not need to put the script in the function.

Answer 2

[Star Strider]

At the risk of pointing out the obvious (and not having run your code), why not write it at the outset as:

function fsw = test()

and see if that does what you want.

EDIT —

It will return whatever variables you want it to return (here only ‘fsw’) to the workspace when the function completes and returns control to the calling script. See Create Functions in Files and related documentation for details.

Answer 3

[steven7337]

Just type the name of the script on command line, then it will be executed.

[AA]

I cant do that. I want the script to be incorporated as a function into another function and then display the variables in the base workspace. It is all part of a great plan to accomplish my algorithm.