# .readnext command (Runoff)

The .readnext command extracts the top
entry of an active list created by one of the list-generating commands
prior to output and inserts the value into the text of the item.

## Syntax

```
.readnext
```

## Description

The .readnext command is used to read data from an active list. It has an effect
only if, prior to entering Runoff, a select, sselect, qselect or get-list statement
has been entered, which selects a list of values. Each .readnext command in Runoff extracts the next value from the active list and
places it in the text stream.

This command does not cause a
break. If there is no active list, or when the list is exhausted,
the .readnext command causes a termination of Runoff,
and a return to TCL.

## See also

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

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