How can I skip initialization for a variable in further executions?

I want to skip initialization of my variable in further executions of my function, except for the first time. e.g.

w_hat = w_nom; %initialization

w_hat = w_hat + del_w; %update of my variable

So for the first time I want w_hat to hold the value of w_nom, but in the next step when the function is recalled, I want w_hat to hold the value from its previous update. So how do I skip the initialization in the second and further steps?

Thanks in advance! I hope I was clear with my question.

**Updated: I will implement the function file in SIMULINK and so except for the first time the function is called, the objective is to initiate w_hat with the previous updated w_hat.

[Raghav]

You can make use of persistent variables in this situation. Ex:

   persistant w_hat;
   if(isempty(w_hat))
        w_hat = w_nom; %initialization
   else 
        w_hat = w_hat + del_w; %update of my variable
   end

Have a look at 'inmem' command as well. Hope this is what you were looking for.

Answer 1

[Star Strider]

You are not re-initialising it, you are reassigning it with a new value with the update.

I believe that is what you want to do.

[Jilan Samiuddin]

I believe when I said "skip initialization", I meant reassigning it it with a new value with the update. So you are spot on Star.

[Star Strider]

Thank you! Sometimes I guess correctly.

[Jilan Samiuddin]

Now help me out please :)

[Star Strider]

I already did. You’re not initializing it later, you’re assigning a new value to it. I get the impression that’s what you want to do.

Guessing here because you haven’t actually described what you want, but if you’re doing it in a loop, see if something like this works:

w_hat(1) = w_nom; %initialization
for k1 = 1:whatever
    w_hat(k1+1) = w_hat(k1) + del_w; %update of my variable
    ... OTHER CODE ...
end

[Jilan Samiuddin]

what you have suggested would work perfectly fine if I was using it as a script file, but when I am using it as a function file in the simulink, it does not work anymore. Because, everytime the function is being called during the simulation, w_hat will start off with w_nom rather than the updated w_hat.

I am not sure if I could make myself clear. Let me know if it is so. Thanks for your feedback though - really appreciate the time you are giving!

[Star Strider]

You didn’t say before that you are using Simulink. I haven’t used Simulink in a while. I can’t help you with Simulink.

I have added ‘Simulink’ to the product tags for your question. Maybe someone who is fluent with Simulink can help you from here.

[Jilan Samiuddin]

Thanks man. :)

I just hope I get some answer soon because it is pretty much urgent for me.

[Star Strider]

My pleasure!