End-of-File

The end-of-file condition is reached when an end-of-file record is encountered during execution of a READ statement. The standard states that the file is positioned after the end-of-file record. In real life, this means that the tape read head is poised at the beginning of the next file on the tape. Although it seems as if you could read the next file on the tape, this is not strictly true, and is not covered by the ANSI FORTRAN 77 Language Standard.

The standard also says that a BACKSPACE or REWIND statement can be used to reposition the file. Consequently, after reaching end-of-file, you can backspace over the end-of-file record and further manipulate the file-for example, writing more records at the end, rewinding the file, and rereading or rewriting it.