MATLAB While loop syntax

Question

I'm using the code

 k = 0;
 while k<3
 k = k+1;
 a = 5^k;
 disp(a);
 end

however, when the result outputs it only gives me the answer of one iteration. I'm wondering what the difference is to the computer when you use this code instead:

 clear, clc
 k = 0;
 while k<3
 k = k+1;
 a(k) = 5^k;
 end
 disp(a)

Why does the first code sample output only 125, while the second one outputs 5, 25, and 125?

I get [5;25; 125], and [5,25,125] for the two codes. Why are you doing while rather than for? — user1543042
– user1543042, Commented May 16, 2016 at 2:52
I was using code that was displayed for an example in an engineering computing textbook. They used this example to demonstrate while loops. — Alexander Drake
– Alexander Drake, Commented May 19, 2016 at 14:22

KKS · Accepted Answer · 2016-05-16 02:54:31Z

1

In the first code, variable a is scalar. So, Matlab erases and re-writes value into variable a in every iteration.

But, in case of second code, as you defined array index k at variable a, Matlab understands your variable a(k) as array variable. And, in every iteration, Matlab writes the assigned value 5^k on corresponding array point.

answered May 16, 2016 at 2:54

KKS

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1 Comment

Alexander Drake Over a year ago

thanks, that's a great interpretation and explanation!

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