read pointer

write pointer

 

The read pointer and write pointer elements are numeric variables representing an offset in the file for reading and in the file for writing. The pointers can be both set and read. On setting a name of the file for reading/writing the relevant pointer will be reset. When reading/writing the data the pointers are shifted automatically.

 

integer number with sign, 1 byte

integer number without sign, 1 byte

integer number with sign, 2 bytes

integer number without sign, 2 bytes

integer number with sign, 3 bytes

integer number without sign, 3 bytes

integer number with sign, 4 bytes

integer number without sign, 4 bytes

decimal number, 4 bytes

decimal number, 8 bytes

logical value

text terminated by binar null (ASCIIZ)

text terminated by end of line (CR and LF)

text with fixed length

length of text with fixed length

text is in UNICODE format (2 bytes)

item (ICO)

picture (BMP, JPG and some AVI)

sound (WAV, MP3)

music (MID, RMI)

sprite (SPR)

 

The data elements can be used in a similar manner like the variables. By writing into an element a write is performed to the output file, by reading an element's value this value is readed from the input file. If an operation error occurs, the operation error flag is set. A format error during reading item, picture, sound, music or sprite elements will not cause a change in the state of the read operation pointer.

 

The logical value element uses 1 byte to store a value. The logical value "Yes" is written as number 1, the logical value "No" is written as number 0. During the reading any number that is not equal 0 is considered to be the logical value "Yes".

 

When reading a picture, the reading of some AVI files using non-compressed 16 bit data (format of the video sequence saved by some TV cards) is supported in addition to the reading of the BMP and JPEG formats. By reading the first picture from the beginning of the AVI file information about the file format is determined, which is used also on reading the subsequent pictures from the AVI file. The picture writing always takes place in the BMP format.

 

When reading a sound, the MPEG Layer-3 (MP3) format is supported. To play it back, an installation of a driver may be necessary. The sound writing always takes place in the WAW format.

 

The length of text with fixed length element defines the length of a fixed length text (not the file data, but an auxiliary internal variable being concerned).

 

The text is in UNICODE format element is a switch indicating that the texts are loaded and stored in the UNICODE format. Normally, the texts are loaded and stored in the Windows default format, one character corresponding to one file byte. In the UNICODE code characters are stored into 2 bytes. The text is not dependent on the national code system; its disadvantage are higher demands on the file size.