FileExists
Tests the existence of a file
Syntax
`
Declare Function FileExists ( ByVal filename As ZString Ptr ) As Long
`
Usage
`
#include "file.bi"
result = FileExists( filename )
` or`
#include "vbcompat.bi"
result = FileExists( filename )
`
Parameters
`filename`
Filename to test for existence.
Return Value
Returns non-zero (`-1`) if the file exists, otherwise returns zero (`0`).
Description
`FileExists` tests for the existence of a file.
Internally, it may issue an Open() and a Close() function, which may have consequences - eg, any existing `Lock`(s) on the file may be released.
Depending on the exact requirements, alternative methods of checking for file existence may be to use the `Dir()` function (being careful of attributes and ensuring the path doesn't contain wildcards), or to try `Open`ing the file and checking the return value for success.
Example
`
#include "vbcompat.bi"
Dim filename As String
Print "Enter a filename: "
Line Input filename
If FileExists( filename ) Then
Print "File found: " & filename
Else
Print "File not found: " & filename
End If
`
Platform Differences

- Linux requires the `filename` case matches the real name of the file. Windows and DOS are case insensitive.
- Path separators in Linux are forward slashes `/`. Windows uses backward slashes `\` but it allows for forward slashes. DOS uses backward `\` slashes.

Differences from QB

- New to FreeBASIC

See also

- `Dir`