Thread: Explain This??

Hi all,

I don't want to bloat the water cooler anymore than what it is but I thought this may be a cool thread to start for those of us that like to learn and understand what we are learning. Hence the title Explain This??!

To start, can someone explain this:

fnum = FreeFile()
    num = num2 - 1
    Open sName For Output As fnum
    For x = 1 To num
    Write #fnum, saveString(x)
    Next x
    Close #fnum

More specifically, what does fnum represent and why use # before it?

To quote the help:

"FreeFile Function: Returns an Integer representing the next file number available for use by the Open statement."

This saves you having to keep track of what file numbers you may already have used.

In this case:

fnum = FreeFile()

The next free file number is assigned to the variable fnum which is then used to open the file to write to it.

I'm not sure why the # is there, I suspect it is just to indicate an integer variable.

Regards

In file I/O, files are represented by Integer types. FreeFile() is a function which returns the next available file number (between 1 to 511) which can be used with the Open statement.

The # convention is inherited from older versions of basic. Note that in this case it does not represent a Double!

Thanks for that guys, if tipping your scales meant anything in the Water Cooler I would do it.

To learn what freefile does:

Sub tst()
    MsgBox FreeFile
    MsgBox FreeFile
  Open "E:\of\aa.txt" For Input As 1
    MsgBox FreeFile

    c01 = Input(LOF(1), 1)
  Close
End Sub

Most of the time I close a file that has been opened with 'Open' before I open another one.

In that case the only code I need is:

Sub tst()
  Open "E:\of\aa.txt" For Input As 1
    c01 = Input(LOF(1), 1)
  Close
End Sub

and

Sub tst()
  Open "E:\of\aa.txt" For Output As 1
    Print 1,c01
  Close
End Sub

Instead of reading line by line using 'read' use Input(LOF(1),1) to read the whole filecontent in 1 go.

Instead of writing line by line using 'write' use Print to write the whole content into the file in 1 go.

PS. I wouldn't object seeing this kind of question in the Excel programming subforum. (seems even more appropriate to me)

Originally Posted by Mordred

Thanks for that guys, if tipping your scales meant anything in the Water Cooler I would do it.

I think this would have been good for the general programming forum... obviously with a more suitable title

Originally Posted by NBVC

I think this would have been good for the general programming forum... obviously with a more suitable title

Well, you're a mod boss and can move it! I didn't want to start this thread anywhere else because I didn't want to get into trouble from the mods.

Other than the title, what would have gotten you into trouble?

LoL, I don't know but so far I haven't received any infractions from you good people and I don't want any! Also, the title is allowed in the water cooler so....

Well.. there is a rule about posting in the relevant forum...could get you there

anyways... just kidding....

At least for me, maybe the title is allowed, but a proper title would give those surfers a glimpse into what's in the thread

Thoughts to consider...

What is the definition of a Sticky thread? I see those in the regular forums, do scale taps count there?

See: Sticky Threads

It's usually used for threads that mods and admin want not to get lost in the haystack and are considered very useful or important threads.

I think scales works there... but not 100% sure.. RoyUK should be able to answer that...

@NBVC We can test the scales in sticky threads. submit something in the sticky thread in the Programming part of the forum and I'll tap your scales.

There is a sticky thread there called "Thanks for all the help". Tip the original OP's scales on the very first post.... and then let me know when done, and I can check if he got the points.