Allocates space for variables in a random-access file buffer.
FIELD [ # ] file_number, width AS str_variable…
file_number is the number assigned to the file in its OPEN statement.
width is the number of characters in the field.
str_variable is the name of a string variable to be used when reading from or writing to the file.
A variable name that appears in a FIELD statement should not appear in an INPUT statement or on the left side of an assignment operator. If it does, the variable will no longer reference the random-access file buffer.
Using record variables is usually more convenient than using the FIELD statement.
OPEN "RANDOM.DAT" FOR RANDOM AS #1 LEN=80
FIELD #1, 76 AS name$, 4 AS salary$
Do not use a fielded variable name in an INPUT or LET statement. Once a variable name is fielded, it points to the correct place in the random file buffer. If a subsequent INPUT or LET statement with that variable name is executed, the variable’s pointer is moved to string space (see LSET/RSET and GET statements).