Scratch Files

Scratch files are temporary files that normally disappears after execution is completed.

Example: Create a scratch file:

	OPEN( UNIT=7, STATUS='SCRATCH' ) 

To prevent a temporary file from disappearing after execution is completed, you must execute a CLOSE statement with STATUS='KEEP'. KEEP is the default status for all other files.

Example: Close a scratch file that you want to access later:

	CLOSE( UNIT=7, STATUS='KEEP' ) 

Remember to get the real name of the scratch file. Use INQUIRE if you want to reopen it later.