Opening a data file

v1.1
Other Commands How to...

read [filename[.{rec|dbf|csv}]] [/close]

The read command will open a data file and put a copy of the data into memory.
Without parameters read will open the file dialogue window, so that you can search in your computer and select the file you want to work with.

Output:

Loading data: path\filename.ext, please wait..
File name : path\filename.ext
Data File description (if any)
Fields: # Total records: # Valid records: #

After reading the data the name and location of the data file read, the description (if any exist) and the number of fields, total records and valid records is displayed on the output screen

Notice:
If you close a file without saving (savedata) then you loose any changes you made to the data


Examples and Hints
READ ESP03                        (Reads a data file called ESP03.REC)
READ "ESP04.REC"                  (Reads a data file called ESP04.REC)
READ                              (Open the file search dialogue)
READ "DATA.DBF"                   (Reads a dBASE III or III Plus file)
READ "DATA.CSV"                   (Reads a CSV data file)
READ "C:\STUDIES\TB study\DATA"   (Reads a data file called DATA.REC from the folder "C:\Studies\TB study")

Related Commands:
Select Close append

Options:
/Close

Closes any data file previously into memory. Without /close you must close the previous data file manually.

Output variables:
None

Output definition:
set read deleted=on/off
set show info=on/off
set echo=on/off
If ON records marked as deleted will be read into memory
if off less output is shown
if off less output is shown
References:
General information on file format available from http://www.epidata.dk
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