FILE Macro Command

Detects the existence of a database file from within a menu or macro, and, optionally, the number of records in the file.

The format is:

!FILE <var1>=<filename>,<var2>=recs

Where:

<var1> is a substitution variable.
<filename> is the name of the database file.
<var2> is a second substitution variable.

The variable <var1> will be set to 0 if the file does not exist, or there is a file read error, or the file has no read access for the current usercode. If the file exists, the Data Definition can be read, and read permission is granted, <var1> becomes 1.

The optional variable <var2> will be set to the number of records in the file. This will be zero if <var1> is zero.

Note: A message displays if the file does not exist, or read permission is denied, or there is a read error or any of the specified fields do not exist.

Example

Check that the file COLLARS exists and set the variable $recs# to the number of records in the file:

!FILE $exist#=COLLARS, $recs#=RECS

Note: The variable RECS is not checked; any name following the = is permitted. The structure is defined for consistency, and to allow future extension of the format.

Error and Warning Messages

Message

Description

Solution

!FILE: SUBSTITUTION VARIABLE OR FILE NAME OR RECS MISSING or 8 CHARACTERS

<<<<listing of command line>>>>

ERR 89 <<< (0) IN MACGET

The command is malformed. Fatal; the macro or menu is cancelled.

Check the command syntax.