@node Data, Define, Cursor, Commands

@iftex
@syntax Data.
@end iftex
@example
Syntax: DATA file
@end example
@pindex Data
@findex I/O commands, data

   Use file @code{file} as the source of data read with the READ command.
The file is assumed to have numerical data in columns separated by spaces,
or tabs. The range of lines specified by LINES is reset. If the file
can't be opened for read, you will be warned. The variable @code{$data_file}
is set to @code{file}.
See the READ command to see how to read the data.
You may need to quote the filename, e.g. @code{DATA "/usr/file"}, which
you can do by using the macro @code{da}: @code{da /usr/file}.

Perverse people who wish to use filenames such as @file{12} or
@file{3.14} will find that they get syntax errors. If they must
persist @code{DATA "3.14 "} will work.