Mark Wickens

INPUT$

Purpose

Assigns a specified number of characters from the keyboard to a variable.

Format

INPUT$  ( number of characters )
          └────────┬─────────┘
           Numeric expression

Parameters

number of characters: Numeric expression truncated to an integer in the range of 0 <= number of characters <= 256

Explanation

1. A string of the length specified by the number of characters is read from the keyboard buffer. Execution waits for the keyboard input when the buffer is empty.
2. The following operations are performed when the keys listed below are pressed during execution of INPUT$. BRK: Halts program execution. One-key commands and one-key functions: Return a null string.
3. The cursor is not displayed during data input stand by, and input characters are not displayed. Control codes (&H00~&H1F) can be input, but the corresponding operations will not be performed.

See

• INKEY$

Sample Program

10 PRINT "ENTER SECRET CODE";
20 ID$=INPUT$(4)
30 IF ID$<>"9876" THEN 10
40 PRINT: PRINT "OK"

Checks for validity of input secret code 9876.