How do I show a changing variable value in command window?

I am doing kind of Genetic Algorithm problem. It takes dozens of iterations before coming to a satisfactory solution. I want to show how the number of iteration grows IN ONE ROW in the command window.

I only know how to do it in rows one after another, here's the code:

    if %Stopping Criterion%
            break;
        else
            iteration = iteration +1 ;
            fprintf('Iteration = %d \n',iteration);
        end

As you know , in the command window, this will be:

Iteration = 2

Iteration = 3

Iteration = 4

Iteration = 5

Iteration = 6

Iteration = 7

.

.

.

My concern is, I want to display the result ONLY IN ONE ROW, that is, "Iteration =" does not show again, ONLY the growing value of the iteration changes.

How could I make it?

Thanks in advance:)

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Before you start the loop,

fprintf('Iteration =');

In the loop,

fprintf(' %d', iteration);

after the loop:

fprintf('\n');

[Luis]

Hi Walter,

I just tried, and it turned out to be this way:

Iteration =2

3

4

5

6

7

.

.

I want the "Iteration =" stays there, only the number changes, as if it blinks.

Anyway, thank you!

[Luis]

I am sorry, I put the

fprintf('\n');

just before the end of loop.

but even if I put it after the loop, the numbers still come one after another, in this way: Iteration =234567891011

This is not what I want..

[Walter Roberson]

Did you miss the space before the %d ?

If you want the number to increase "in place" on the line, then,

before the loop

fprintf('iteration = 0000');

in the loop:

fprintf('\b\b\b\b%4d', iteration);

after the complete loop has ended

fprintf('\n');

[Luis]

That works!!

Thank you, Master Walter!

BTW, could you explain how does this work? I've no idea about the 0000 and \b\b\b\b stuff..

[Walter Roberson]

The 0000 is not important other than it being 4 characters long so that you get positioned at the right position. Each \b backspaces one position so \b\b\b\b moves to the beginning of those 4 positions. The %4d says to use 4 characters (more if needed) to output the number... leaving you at the same position on the screen as you were after the 0000 . Thus each line after that backs up over the previous number and puts in a new 4 character number.

If your iteration count might exceed 9999 then you would need to increase the number of characters initially printed and you would need to add more \b

[Luis]

Perfect teacher!

Thanks again!