OpenRead¶

Opens a file for reading.

A file name starting with ! names an external command instead of a file: the command is run through the shell and the stream reads its standard output.

$ wo 'stream = OpenRead["!echo woxi"]; line = ReadLine[stream]; Close[stream]; line'
woxi

Reading past the command's output yields EndOfFile:

$ wo 'stream = OpenRead["!echo woxi"]; ReadLine[stream]; rest = ReadLine[stream]; Close[stream]; rest'
EndOfFile