File path handling in MATLAB - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What function in MATLAB is used to join folder names and file names into a full file path?

The fullfile function joins folder names and file names into a full file path that works across different operating systems.

beginner

How do you get the folder path from a full file path in MATLAB?

Use the fileparts function. It splits a full file path into folder path, file name, and extension.

beginner

What is the difference between pwd and cd in MATLAB?

pwd returns the current folder path as a string. cd changes the current folder to a new path.

intermediate

Why should you use fullfile instead of manually concatenating strings with slashes?

fullfile automatically uses the correct file separator for your operating system, avoiding errors and making your code portable.

intermediate

How can you check if a file or folder exists at a given path in MATLAB?

Use the exist function with the path string. It returns different codes for files, folders, or if the path does not exist.

Which MATLAB function combines folder and file names into a full path correctly?

A fullfile

B strcat

C joinpath

D pathjoin

fullfile is the correct function to join parts of a file path in MATLAB.

What does the fileparts function return when given a full file path?

A Only the file extension

B Only the file name

C Only the folder path

D Folder path, file name, and extension

fileparts splits a full path into folder, file name, and extension.

Which function returns the current working directory in MATLAB?

A cd

B pwd

C dir

D ls

pwd returns the current folder path as a string.

Why is it better to use fullfile instead of manually adding slashes?

A It is faster

B It adds extra security

C It automatically uses the correct file separator for your OS

D It compresses the path

fullfile ensures your path works on Windows, Mac, or Linux by using the right separator.

How can you check if a folder exists at a path in MATLAB?

A Using <code>exist</code> with a code for folder

B Using <code>isfolder</code>

C Using <code>dir</code>

D Using <code>fileparts</code>

The exist function returns 7 if the path is a folder.

Explain how to build a full file path from folder and file names in MATLAB and why this method is preferred.

Think about how different computers use different slashes.

Describe how to extract the folder, file name, and extension from a full file path in MATLAB.

This function splits the path into three parts.