Choosing an Input Style

Nonstandard data values require an input style that has more flexibility than column input.
You can use formatted input, which combines the features of column input with the ability to read both standard and nonstandard data.
Formatted Input
Whenever you encounter raw data that is organized into fixed fields, you can use
  • column input to read standard data only
  • formatted input to read both standard and nonstandard data.

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