# .readnext command (Output processor)

The .readnext command reads data, one
value at a time from an active list. It has an affect only if prior
to entering the Output processor a select, sselect, qselect, or get-list statement
has been executed.

**Synonyms:** .rn

## Syntax

```
.readnext
```

## Description

Each .readnext command in the Output processor extracts the next value from the
active list and places it in the text stream.

Note: The .readnext command does not cause a *break*.

If there is no preselected list, or when the list is exhausted,
the .readnext command terminates the Output processor
and returns to the calling process.

## Example(s)

```
Dear .readnext
You are the only one for me.
Love,
Pat
.chain love.letter
```

## See also

- [.break command (Output processor)](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-break-command-output-processor/)
- [.chain command (Output processor)](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-chain-command-output-processor/)
- [.readnext null command](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-readnext-null-command/)
- [Active list](https://d3codex.com/definitions/active-list/)
- [Output processor commands](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/output-processor-commands/)
- [get-list command](https://d3codex.com/tcl/get-list-command/)
- [Output processor overview](https://d3codex.com/output-processor/output-processor-overview/)
- [qselect command](https://d3codex.com/tcl/qselect-command/)
- [nselect command](https://d3codex.com/access/nselect-command/)
- [sselect command](https://d3codex.com/access/sselect-command/)

---
Source: https://d3codex.com/output-processor/dot-readnext-command-output-processor/ - part of the D3Codex reference.