How do I import complex numbers from a text file into a matrix in MATLAB?

I have a text file that contains complex numbers.

My TXT file ("input.txt") has lines formatted as follows:

-1+5i 2+9i 10+3i 8+16i

How do I import these complex numbers into MATLAB as a matrix of doubles?

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

You can import complex numbers into MATLAB as a matrix of doubles in various ways, which are outlined below.

1. Use the "readmatrix" function:

complex_numbers = readmatrix("input.txt", "OutputType","double");

2. Use the "textscan" function:

fileID = fopen("input.txt");
complex_numbers = cell2mat(textscan(fileID, "%f"));

3. Use the "readtable" function

complex_numbers_as_table = readtable("input.txt");
complex_numbers = table2array(complex_numbers_as_table);

4. Use the "readlines" function:

raw_data = readlines("input.txt")
complex_numbers_as_strings = split(raw_data, " ")

complex_numbers = [];
for i=1:length(complex_numbers_as_strings)
    complex_number_components = split(complex_numbers_as_strings(i), {'+','i'});
    real_part = double(complex_number_components(1))
    imaginery_part = double(complex_number_components(2))
    complex_numbers = [complex_numbers complex(real_part, imaginery_part)]
end