Q42329: PRINT SPC(80) Statement May Not Wrap to the Next Line

Article: Q42329
Product(s): See article
Version(s): 4.00 4.00b 4.50
Operating System(s): MS-DOS
Keyword(s): ENDUSER | docerr B_BasicCom | mspl13_basic
Last Modified: 14-DEC-1989

In Microsoft QuickBASIC Versions 4.00, 4.00b, and 4.50, Microsoft
BASIC Compiler Versions 6.00 and 6.00b, and Microsoft BASIC PDS
Version 7.00, the SPC() function does not cause output to wrap around
to the next line(s). In QuickBASIC Version 3.00, the SPC() function
wraps to the next line.

For comparison, the SPACE$() function wraps to the next line in all
versions.

The nonwrapping behavior of the SPC() function is an intentional
feature in QuickBASIC Versions 4.00, 4.00b, and 4.50, BASIC compiler
Versions 6.00 and 6.00b, and Microsoft BASIC PDS Version 7.00. If the
value given to the SPC() function is greater than the defined screen
width, the spacing will be: <desired spacing> MOD <width>. For
example, the following line would actually print "Hello" in column 3
of the same line:

   PRINT SPC(83);"Hello"

The documentation on this function is incomplete and will be
corrected. Microsoft will post new information here as it becomes
available.

In the following code example, both outputs will incorrectly be on the
same line:

REM *** SPC() problem example ***
CLS : LOCATE 1,1 : PRINT "           XXX"
LOCATE 1,1 : PRINT SPC(80); "Hello";
END

The SPC(80) function should force the "Hello" literal to be displayed
on the second line. The SPACE$() function can be used to simulate the
line wrap, when given the space (Hex 20) character. Note that the
SPACE$() function overwrites any screen information that comes in its
path with the new SPACE$() character.

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