INPUT$ Function Details
 
Syntax
  INPUT$(n[,[#]filenumber])
 
The n is the number of characters (bytes) to read from the file. The
filenumber is the number used to open the file.
 
If the file is opened for random access, the argument n must be less
than or equal to the record length set by the LEN clause in the OPEN
statement (or less than or equal to 128 if the record length is not
set). If the given file is opened for binary or sequential access,
then n must be less than or equal to 32,767.
 
If the filenumber is not specified, the characters are read from the
standard input device. (If input has not been redirected, the keyboard
is the standard input device).
 
You can use the DOS redirection symbols " "(<, >, or >>) or the pipe
symbol (|) to redefine the standard input or standard output for an
executable file created with BASIC. (See your operating system
manual for a complete discussion of redirection and pipes.)
 
No characters are echoed on the screen. All control characters are
passed through except CTRL+BREAK, which interrupts execution
of the function.