WD: Using the OPEN Statement in Word Embedded BASIC

ID: Q47518

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.1a, 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1

SUMMARY

The OPEN statement is part of the Word for Windows Embedded BASIC (EB) language. This command allows you to open a data file for reading, modifying, or adding to the file.

Note that the OPEN statement does not open the file into the workspace, it merely opens the file for manipulation by your macro.

The correct syntax for the OPEN statement is

   OPEN [File] FOR [Mode] AS [#]FileNumber

where [File] is the name of the file you will be accessing; [Mode] is Output, Input, or Append; and [#]FileNumber associates a unique file number with that file.

MORE INFORMATION

Mode Statements

"Output" opens a file for data to be output to. If the file already exists, the existing file is overwritten with no warning.

"Input" opens an existing data file so records can be read from it.

"Append" opens an existing data file (or creates a new one if a file of that name doesn't exist) so new records can be added to the end of the file.

File Number

The file number associates a unique file number with that file, as long as that file is open. When the file is closed, the file number can then be assigned to another file that is being opened.

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to contact the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about the support options available from Microsoft, please see the following page on the World Wide Web:

   http://www.microsoft.com/supportnet/refguide/

Statement Example

   Sub MAIN
      OPEN "Datafile.txt" FOR Output AS #1
      Write #1, "Testing",123,"Testing"
      Close #1
   End Sub

This macro will create or open a file called Datafile.txt and put in the comma and quotation mark deliminated data into the file. The data can then later be retrieved using the "Read" command.

Additional query words: word basic

Keywords          : kbmacroexample winword macword word6 winword2 word7 word95 macword6 word 
Version           : WINDOWS:1.0,1.1,1.1a,2.0,2.0a,2.0a- CD,2.0b,2.0c,6.0,6.0a,6.0c,7.0,7.0a; MACINTOSH:6.0,6.0.1,6.0.1a
Platform          : MACINTOSH Win95 WINDOWS winnt
Issue type        : kbinfo

Last Reviewed: April 9, 1999