User guide > Data > Character data input

Character data should be read using the READ command to specify the data locations into which the line should be read. If the data locations are not specified then the data is read starting at $1. If the input record is longer than the area allocated the remainder of the input record is discarded. If it is shorter then the area is filled with blanks.

To read a fixed format input record of up to 750 characters:

start control,

c=long.asc,

finish control,

start data,

CARD CHARACTERS 2000,

READ $1-750,

! variables defined from $1-$750,

! $751-2000 available as workspace

...

finish data,