MATLAB function to load datasets

dataset_load.m

function [examples classifications] = dataset_load(dataset_name)
%  dataset_load(dataset_name)
%    Returns the example feature vectors (as rows) and corresponding
%    classifications. Automatically strips the first column (example ids).

% Load dataset into a structure array
mat_struct = load(dataset_name);

% Syntax to get the field of a structure array by name
% http://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/getfield.html
X = mat_struct.(dataset_name);

% Skip the first feature (example id)
examples = X(:, 2:end-1);

% Adjust {0, 1} labels to {-1, 1} labels
classifications = 2*X(:, end) - 1;

end