INPUT (function)

The INPUT$ function reads a string of characters specified on the keyboard and stores them in a variable. Unlike INPUT, which pauses and waits until the user presses wnter, INPUT$ reads a fixed number of characters without prompting for an enter.

It is used to read barcodes, serial numbers, or other fixed character sequences, and to create simpler and more direct user interfaces, avoiding the need to press enter after each character.

INPUT$ always reads the specified number of characters, even if the user types fewer than that. It does not perform any checks on the validity of the characters entered.



The INPUT command allows you to ask the user to enter data, such as numbers or text, while your program is running. When your program encounters an INPUT statement, it stops executing and displays a prompt (usually the name of the variable) that invites the user to enter a value. The user types the value and presses Enter. The entered value is then stored in the specified variable.

Make sure the variable type matches the type of data you want to capture (e.g. a numeric variable for a number, a string variable for text). The message is optional but highly recommended to make it clear to the user what to enter. After entering the value, the user must always press Enter to confirm.

EXAMPLE

 IF INPUT$(3) = "123" THEN
    PRINT "123 has been pressed!"
 ENDIF
 INPUT "Type a string ", a$
 PRINT "The string was "; a$