Pos Parameter

Use with READ

In Read file and Restore File statements, the optional "POS=num-expr" clause is used only with external files opened for RELATIVE processing; its purpose is to position to a specified byte before reading. After the numeric expression (usually a simple numeric variable or constant) is evaluated and rounded to an integer, the system reads a complete record beginning at the specified byte number. If "POS = num-expr" is not specified, the system sequentially reads the next complete record after the last byte read.

Use with FORM

In FORM statements, the POS parameter refers to a position on the screen by column. POS is followed by a space and then any integer or numeric variable. The following example will print the name "Camilla" starting at column 60:

00100 Print using nameform: "Camilla"
00110 nameform: form pos 60, c 15

POS is also used while printing to a printer or window.

Use with WRITE=

The "POS=num-expr" clause is only used with WRITE for external files opened for RELATIVE processing; its purpose is to position to a specified byte before writing. After the numeric expression is evaluated and rounded to an integer, the system attempts to write a complete record beginning at the specified byte number. The only valid value for POS is the first byte after the end of the file.