SET FORMAT is included for backward compatibility. Use a multiple-window READ instead.

SET FORMAT opens a format file for use with APPEND, BROWSE, INSERT and READ.

Format files can contain initialization code before the @ ... SAY commands. Cleanup code can follow the @ ... SAY commands. The initialization code is executed immediately after APPEND, CHANGE, EDIT, INSERT or READ is issued. The cleanup code is executed immediately after APPEND, CHANGE, EDIT, INSERT or READ are finished executing.

Other Resources

Backward-Compatible Language Elements