genvarname

Generates unique names which can be used for variables, based on the given input(s), s.

Syntax

R = genvarname(s)

R = genvarname(s, exclusions)

Inputs

s: Base input from which a unique name will be generated. Any non alpha-numeric characters will be replaced with an underscore.; Type: cell | string
exclusions: Additional restrictions on names generated.; Type: cell | string

Outputs

R: Type: cell | string

Examples

Generate unique name with a keyword as a base input:

R = genvarname('if')

R = _if

Generate unique names with a cell array of strings and no exclusions.

R = genvarname({'test','test';'test1','test'})

R =
{
[1,1] test
[1,2] test2
[2,1] test1
[2,2] test3
}

Generate unique names with cell arrays of strings and excusions:

R = genvarname({'test','test';'test1','test'}, {'test', 'test2'})

R =
{
[1,1] test1
[1,2] test3
[2,1] test1_1
[2,2] test4
}

Comments

Valid input types are strings and cell arrays of strings. For cell array inputs, the resulting output will be a cell array with unique varnames generated for each cell element. The generated names will not be keywords or built-in functions available in the current session of the application. Any non alpha-numeric characters in the input, s, are considered invalid and will be replaced with an underscore ('_'). Unique names are generated by appending the input(s) with numbers. If the input(s) start with a keyword or a number, an underscore and a number will be prepended to generate a unique name, if needed. An optional input argument exclusions, can be used to specify additional retrictions on the names generated. In such a case, the names generated will be unique to each other and the exclusions specified. exclusions must be strings or cell arrays of strings.