OPENIN(string-expression)
Opens a file for input (reading only). Returns an integer file handle that must be used with READ$ and CLOSE.
Examples
REM Open a file for reading
fh = OPENIN("/data/example.txt")
IF fh < 0 THEN
PRINT "Failed to open file"
END
ENDIF
REPEAT
line$ = READ$(fh)
IF EOF(fh) = 0 THEN PRINT line$
UNTIL EOF(fh) = 1
CLOSE fh
REM Handle missing file gracefully
fh = OPENIN("/notfound.txt")
IF fh < 0 THEN
PRINT "File not found"
ELSE
PRINT "File opened successfully"
CLOSE fh
ENDIF
Notes
- Returns a non-negative handle on success, or a negative value on failure.
- File handle must be closed with CLOSE when no longer needed.
- Works with EOF to detect end-of-file during reads.
- Use OPENOUT to create or overwrite files, and OPENUP to append to existing files.
See also: READ$ · CLOSE · OPENOUT · OPENUP · EOF