String into variable?

Given that this function sets the value TEST to a real number of 0.5.

(setq TEST 0.5)

I'd like to be able to push the symbol (word?) TEST and the variable to a
function. and have it do exactly as above. I was looking at send it in this
format.

(NEWFUNCTION 0.5 TEST)

It doesn't matter to me if TEST is the a string or list or whatever. I just
want to send it to a function and have it set. I'm thinking something along
the lines of

(defun NEWFUNCTION (VALUE VARIABLE /)
(setq (read VARIABLE) NEWVALUE)
)


Now this doesn't work but that's what I imagine. Thoughts?

Thanks. Sage

 

Sage,
These things can easily be done without a wrapper function
as the contents of these functions show. The set function
is used rather than setq.
You were close:

;;arguments (value string)
(defun setstring (string value)
(set (read string) value)
)

;;arguments (value symbol)
(defun setsym (symbol value)
(set symbol value))

 

That does it! Thanks.

 

Doug,
(setstring.. works good.
(setsym..errors ? Why ?

Command: (setq string "TEST")
"TEST"

Command: (setq value 0.5)
0.5

Command: (setstring string value)
0.5

Command: !test
0.5

Command: !symbol
"TEST"

Command: !value
0.5

Command: (setsym symbol value)

Error: bad argument type: symbolp "TEST"
Error: Break...

Nevermind, got it..
Command: (setsym 'symbol value)
0.5

Bob