# timeout statement

**mvBase Only**: The timeout statement specifies the number of
 seconds the operating environment waits for terminal input before a timeout condition
 occurs.

Note: This timeout statement is provided for mvBase compatibility. Either a
 $options mvBase statement must be present in the program or a
 set-compat to mvBase command must be executed prior to compiling for the
 timeout statement to compile.

## Syntax

```
 timeout exp
```

## Parameter(s)

| exp | Contains the number of seconds to wait. If the exp variable is set to zero, the timeout waiting feature is turned off. |
| --- | --- |

## Description

If a timeout occurs and an ELSE clause is specified on the INPUT statement, the ELSE clause is
 carried out. Otherwise, no action is taken and the program continues to wait for input.

## Example(s)

| Syntax | Description |
| --- | --- |
| TIMEOUT 30 | A 30-second timeout is established for subsequent input statements. |
| TIMEOUT "LOGGED OFF"" | Error: An expression cannot be used as parameter. |
| TIMEOUT | Error: The number of seconds must be specified. |

## See also

- [$options directive](https://d3codex.com/pickbasic-flashbasic/dollar-options-directive/)
- [set-compat command](https://d3codex.com/tcl/set-compat-command/)

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