Unpack arrayfun output into different variables

I am trying to use sprintf on an array of strings and store the output strings in individual variables, but I am failing on the syntax.

I tried:

a = ["f","g","h"];
tf = @(x) sprintf('%s%s','C:\',x);
[m,n,o] = arrayfun(tf,a,'UniformOutput',false);

I get an error reading:

Error using sprintf

Too many output arguments.

Error in Untitled>@(x)sprintf('%s%s','C:\',x)

The ouptut is a 1x3 cell, so I hope this should be possible. Thank you

Answer 1

[the cyclist]

No, it is not possible.

It is true that the output of arrayfun in this case is a 1x3 cell array. And you may feel that it is obvious that MATLAB should then parse that into your three variable. But MATLAB actually cannot "know" that that is what you mean. Specifically, it cannot know which of the following you want for your output:

1. m = 1x1 cell; n = 1x1 cell; o = 1x1 cell
2. m = 1x3 cell; n = empty; o = empty
3. m = 1x2 cell; n = 1x1 cell; o = empty
4. ... and so on ...

You'll need to parse that yourself. (I would suggest that maybe keeping them in a cell array rather than separate variables might actually be the better design.)

[Raphael Alhadef]

I understand, thank you for the clarification.