Assigning to parts of a matrix - how to?



For a matrix M, Maxima allows both  M[i] and M[i,j] on the LHS of an assignment.  To replace the i-th row, use M[i] : [a,b,....].
I do not know of a similar way to replace a matrix column.  To replace the i,j entry of M, either use M[i,j] : x  or use the
setelmx function. 

Allowing row or column to be on the LHS of an assignment would be terrific.

--Barton

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Hi,
how can I assign to a column / row or submatrix of a matrix.
Unfortunately, the functions 'col' or 'submatrix' cannot be used on the
LHS of an assignment.

So what can I do in place of writing loops or rebuilding the matrix
from scratch?

Many thanks for a hint,
Helmut.