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INPUT$ returns a string of characters read from the specified file.
 
INPUT$(n[,[#]filenumber%])
    ■ 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,
      n must be less than or equal to 32,767.
 
Usage Notes
    ■ 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.)
    ■ Unlike the INPUT # statement, INPUT$ returns all characters it reads.