output arguments not assigned

Hello,

When I run this function

function [outcome] = days_of_the_week(day)

end

Output argument "outcome" (and maybe others) not assigned

Matlab says outcome argument not assigned (but still works despite this error)

BUT when I change [outcome] to [day]

function [day] = days_of_the_week(day)

end

The error goes away and the function works

Why?

Am I missing something obvious? Apologies, I am new to Matlab. Thank you.

Answer 1

[David Hill]

Because 'day' is the input variable, it is present in the function and will be passed to the output. the 'outcome' variable is never assigned in the function, so the error tells you that and nothing gets passed to the output. The error does not cause the function, which does nothing, not to work.

[Sarah K]

So is 'day' the correct term to use, not outcome?

or should I assign outcome = day on the 2nd line?

thanks!

[David Hill]

Either is fine, but what is the purpose of your function?

[Sarah K]

so the name assigned to the [outcome] should always be the same as the name assigned to the (input), for basic purposes? Thanks.

function [outcome] = name_of_function(input)

end

[David Hill]

No, the output is generally a different named variable.

function [outcome] = name_of_function(input)
outcome=2*input;
end