I have a variable with a string that I would like to use as a filename, how do I input that string into a function rather than the variable name?

As below, I have a dialog box asking me for a filename.

It will then add the file extension onto the end.

            answer = inputdlg(fileName,dlgtitle,dims,definput);
            fileName1 = strcat(answer,'.dxf');
            
            FID = dxf_open(fileName1);

I've tried numerous different ways, and they all end up with errors.

The code works normally if I hardcode the file name into the dxf_open function. e.g. 'Export.dxf'

Answer 1

[the cyclist]

I think I see the problem. Did you notice that the output of the inputdlg command is a cell array? You need the contents of that cell array, which is the character array you want. So you need something like this:

fileName1 = strcat(answer{:},'.dxf');

Note the {:} after answer, to get at the contents of the cell array.

[AThomas]

Thank you very much for your help.

The code works with the {:} in the dxf_open portion

fileName1 = strcat(answer,'.dxf');
            
FID = dxf_open(fileName1{:});

Answer 2

[the cyclist]

I don't have dxf_open, but the following -- which is effectively the same as what you posted -- works for me:

answer = 'test';
fileName1 = strcat(answer,'.dxf');
fid = fopen(fileName1,'w');
fprintf(fid,'test_write')
fclose(fid)

[AThomas]

Thanks, but when I try that I get the error "Error using dxf_open Too many input arguments"