FOPTNUM Function: UNIX

Returns the number of information items that are available for an external file.
Category: External Files
UNIX specifics: Information items available
See: FOPTNUM Function in SAS Functions and CALL Routines: Reference

Syntax

FOPTNUM(file-id)

Required Argument

file-id
specifies the identifier that was assigned when the file was opened, generally by the FOPEN function.

Details

Under UNIX, five information items are available for all types of files:
  • Filename
  • Owner Name
  • Group Name
  • Access Permission
  • File Size (bytes)
If you concatenate filenames, then an additional information item is available: File List. If you are using pipe files, then the only information item available is PIPE Command.
The open-mode specified in the FOPEN function determines the value that FOPTNUM returns.
Open Mode and FOPTNUM Values
Open Mode
FOPTNUM Value
Information Items Available
Append
Input
Update
6 for concatenated files
5 for single files
All information items available.
Output
5 for concatenated files
4 for single files
Because the file is open for output, the File Size information type is unavailable.
Sequential
(using Pipe Device Type)
1
The only information item available is PIPE Command.
For an example of how to use the FOPTNUM function, see File Attributes When Using the Pipe Device Type.

See Also

Functions:
FOPEN Function in SAS Functions and CALL Routines: Reference