How would you convert a string to a number in MATLAB?

In MATLAB, converting a string to a number can be accomplished effectively using the built-in functions str2double() or str2num(). These functions are specifically designed for this purpose and provide a straightforward and reliable way to convert string representations of numbers into actual numeric values.

The str2double() function is particularly robust as it converts a string to a double-precision number. If the conversion is not possible (for example, if the string does not represent a valid number), it returns NaN (Not a Number), which is a clear indication that the conversion failed.

The str2num() function also converts a string to a number, and it can interpret more complex numerical representations, such as those in a MATLAB expression format. However, it is generally less recommended than str2double() because it uses the eval function behind the scenes, which can lead to potential security risks if the strings being converted are not controlled.

These functions are essential tools in MATLAB programming, enabling users to parse user inputs, read data from files, or conduct calculations involving numeric values provided as strings. Understanding how to use these functions appropriately allows for more effective data manipulation and numerical analysis in MATLAB.