7.1.1.3 Internal File Specifier

The internal file specifier identifies the internal file to be used. The internal file specifier takes the following form:

[UNIT=]cv
cv
Is a character scalar memory reference or a character array name reference.

The external logical unit specifier and the internal file specifier are mutually exclusive. The keyword UNIT is optional if the internal file specifier is the first parameter in the control list.

An internal file is designated internal storage space (a variable buffer) that is used with formatted and list-directed sequential READ and WRITE statements.

Instead of indicating a unit number for the READ or WRITE statement, indicate an internal file specifier in the form of a character scalar memory reference or a character-array name reference.

An internal file consists of a character variable, a character-array element, a character array, a character substring, or a character field in a record. A record in an internal file consists of any of these data items except a character array.

If an internal file is made up of a single character variable, array element, or substring, that file comprises a single record whose length is the same as the length of the variable, array element, or substring. If an internal file is made up of a character array, that file comprises a sequence of records, with each record consisting of a single array element. The sequence of records in an internal file is determined by the order of subscript progression.

A record in an internal file can be read only if the character variable, array element, or substring comprising the record has been defined (a value has been assigned to the record).

Prior to data transfer, an internal file is always positioned at the beginning of the first character of the first record.

For more information:

For details on using internal files, see your user manual.


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