assigning multiple outputs from a vector

If I have a vector of a known length, let's say X = [ 1 2 3 4 ], is there an easy way to assign the elements of the vector to different variables? For example, I know I can do:

a = X(1); b = X(2); c = X(3); d = X(4);

Is there a function that will allow me to do something like [a b c d] = X? (I know this doesn't work, its just an example of what I am trying to do).

Answer 1

[Matt J]

 Xcell=num2cell(X);

 [a,b,c,d]=deal(Xcell{:});

[Victor]

Thanks for the quick response. Is there a way to do Xcell{:} without having to declare Xcell? something similar to num2cell(X){:}? I'd like to have this in one line if possible.

[Matt J]

No, there is no way.

But you can use the function below to encapsulate everything into one function call [a,b,c,d]=vout(X)

function varargout=vout(C)
%
%Takes the elements of a cell or numeric array and assigns them to separate varargout
%
%  [argout1,argout2,...]=vout(X)
%

if isnumeric(C), C=num2cell(C); end

C=C(:).';

[Victor]

Thanks, Matt. That worked great.