MATLAB: How to utilize results of dir command.

searching for files

Hi, I am trying to use some code in a program of mine, that enables me to search for a file. In my treatment of data, I will always get only one result with the command:

dir * full *.xls (I have added some spaces on the sides of full, in order to keep things looking as they do in my command window.)

This command returns a string to me.

How do I save this string, or in any other way use this handle to open this exact file? I cannot store it to a variable using a command like:

Secretfilename=dir * full *.xls

In all this it is central that I do not know the entire name of the file I need. I only know that using this command will give said file as the only result.

Best regards, Nicki.

Best Answer

Use the function form of dir().

I am not sure what

* full *.xls

would be intended to mean. Possibly the equivalent would be

Secretfileinfo = dir('* full *.xls');

then possibly

fopen(Secretfileinfo.name, 'r')

It might be more complex if the "* full" is intended to designate a directory.

Related Solutions

MATLAB: Fullfile to contain multiply file extension

Try:

filePatternCSV = fullfile(handles.sourceFolder, '*.csv'); 
csvFiles = dir(filePatternCSV); 
filePatternXLS = fullfile(handles.sourceFolder, '*.xls'); 
xlsFiles = dir(filePatternXLS);
filePatternODS = fullfile(handles.sourceFolder, '*.ods'); 
odsFiles = dir(filePatternODS);
allFiles= vertcat(csvFiles,xlsFiles,odsFiles);

MATLAB: XLSWRITE – into same folder location as M file

Thanks guys for your attempts. Your help is most appreciated.

I eventually stumbled upon the "uigetfile" instruction as with just a one click on the m file of interest in a folder, and the uigetfile picks up the folder + filename. I then stripped the filename and retained the folder.

Best Answer

Related Solutions

MATLAB: Fullfile to contain multiply file extension

MATLAB: XLSWRITE – into same folder location as M file

Related Question