# readf statement

The readf statement reads the specified number of characters from a
 normal item.

## Syntax

```
readf str from file.var item.ID, start.pos, no.of.bytes then/else statement.block
```

## Description

D3 allows the user to read a specified number of characters from any normal item stored in
 a disk file. The format is very similar to `readv`, but rather than
 specifying the attribute to be read, the user specifies the starting position and number of
 bytes to read.

 If a starting position of 0 is specified, the number of bytes in the item is returned. If a
 starting position beyond the end of the item is specified, null is returned. If too many
 bytes are specified, as many as are available are returned.

## Examples

Read 10 bytes starting at position 10 from the item "10" in the orders file from the mvdemo
 account.

```
open 'mvdemo,orders,' to fv.o
readf str from fv.o,10,10,10
crt str
```

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Source: https://d3codex.com/pickbasic-flashbasic/readf-statement/ - part of the D3Codex reference.