This document discusses using the File object in Microsoft Small Basic to read from and write to files. It describes properties of the File object like LastError and operations like WriteLine, AppendContents, ReadContents, CopyFile, GetFiles, CreateDirectory, and GetDirectories. Examples are provided to demonstrate using these operations to write text to a file, append additional content, copy a file, get file listings, create directories, and get directory listings. The LastError property is also described for retrieving error details.

1. Microsoft® Small BasicFile Input and OutputEstimated time to complete this lesson: 1 hour

2. File Input and OutputIn this lesson, you will learn about:Using different properties of the File object.Using different operations of the File object.

3. The File ObjectThe File object includes various operations and properties, such as:With the help of the File object in Small Basic, you can access information from a file stored on your computer. You can also read and write information from and to the file. A computer file is a collection of data stored by your computer. Small Basic programming allows you to work with external files from your program. CreateDirectoryWriteLineAppendContentsCopyFileGetFilesDeleteDirectoryGetDirectoriesReadContentsLastError

4. Operations of the File ObjectWriteLineYou can use the WriteLine operation to write a line of text at the specified line number in a file. AppendContentsWith the AppendContents operation, you can add the specified text at the end of a file. ReadContentsUse the ReadContents operation to read the entire contents of a specified file.As you see, the File object provides many ways of working with files.Let’s learn about some operations of the File object…

5. Operations of the File ObjectLet’s write a program to gain better understanding of these operations.In this example, you specify a file path and use the WriteLineoperation to write a sentence to the file. Next, you use the AppendContents operation to add a sentence to the existing content. Finally, you use the ReadContents operation to read the entire contents of the file.output

6. Operations of the File ObjectCopyFileYou can use the CopyFile operation to copy the specified file to a destination. GetFilesWith the GetFiles operation, you can get a list of all the files present in the specified directory.

7. Operations of the File ObjectLet’s write a program to better understand these operations.outputIn this example, you use the CopyFile operation to copy the specified source file to the specified destination. You also specify the directory path, and then use the GetFilesoperation to display the path of all files in the output window.

8. Operations of the File ObjectCreateDirectoryUse the CreateDirectory operation to create the specified directory at the desired location. GetDirectoriesWith the GetDirectoriesoperation, you can get the path of all the directories in the specified directory path.

9. Operations of the File ObjectLet’s see how we can apply these operations…outputAs you see, you first use the CreateDirectory operation to create a directory. Next, you use the GetDirectories operation to get the path of the all the directories present in the specified location.

10. The LastError PropertyWith the help of the LastError property, you can get details of the last file-operation-based error in your program. This property is quite useful when you can’t execute a file operation in your program because of some error.In this example, you use the WriteLine operation of the File object to write text to the file at a specific line number.Next you use the LastErrorproperty of the File object to get the details of the actual error in the program, if any.output

11. Let’s Summarize…Congratulations! Now you know how to:Use different properties of the File object.Use different operations of the File object.

12. It’s Time to Apply Your Learning…Write a program by performing the following steps:Create a directory by accepting a suitable name from the user.