Starting MATLAB from *.prj file does not add path?

If Remember == correct

Starting MATLAB from a *.prj file use to bring in that project's path.

And now it does not seem to.

Is there a way to start from project file and have the project's path settings added?

Thank you for any help or guidance

Answer 1

[Simar]

Hi Paul,

MATLAB projects (.prj files) are designed to help manage and share work by automatically setting up environment to its saved state when the project was last closed. This includes path settings, which should restore while opening a project.

I understand that you are experiencing an issue where MATLAB is not able to restore the project's path settings when opening a project from a .prj file. There might be a few reasons and solutions to explore:

• Check Project Setup: MATLAB projects can include startup and shutdown scripts (startup.m and shutdown.m). Verify that these scripts are correctly configured and do not inadvertently alter the path in ways that override the project's settings.
• Use Project Shortcuts: If specific actions, such as adding paths or setting up the environment, need to be performed when project opens, consider using “Project Shortcuts”. Create shortcuts for scripts that set up the environment, ensuring that any necessary paths are added when the project starts. Please refer to the following link-https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/what-can-i-do-with-project-shortcuts.html?searchHighlight=Projects%20shortcuts&s_tid=srchtitle_support_results_1_Projects%20shortcuts
• Automate with Startup Scripts: If project's automatic path restoration feature does not meet the needs, create a startup.m script in project's root directory. This script runs when MATLAB starts and can use it to programmatically to add necessary paths using the “addpath” function. For example:

    if isfile(fullfile(pwd, 'myProject.prj')) 
        addpath(genpath(pwd)); % Adds the current directory and subdirectories to the path 
        % Add any other necessary setup commands here 
    end 

MATLAB projects should automatically manage and restore path settings as part of their design. If this is not happening, checking project configurations, and using startup scripts to manually manage paths when the project opens are all viable strategies.

Please refer to the following documentation link-

• Addpath- https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/addpath.html?searchHighlight=addpath&s_tid=srchtitle_support_results_1_addpath
• Startup- https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/startup.html?searchHighlight=startup.m&s_tid=srchtitle_support_results_2_startup.m

Hope it helps!

Best Regards,

Simar

[Paul Bergman]

Wow, this is a most helpful response.

It will take a bit to sort through, but I am looking at the project shortcuts right now.

MATLAB has come a long way since I started using it back in the early 1990s. I have returned to using MATLAB for a year now and still learning some of the newer features, like "projects." Well..., newer compared to MATLAB of the 1990s. :)

Thank you very much Simar.