---
name: "data_ahead"
section: "3x"
platform: "linux"
package: "ncurses"
version: "6.6-2"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/form_data/3x"
---

# data\_ahead(3x)

test for off-screen data in given forms

Part of [form\_data(3x)](/form_data/3x.md).

## NAME

**data\_ahead**, **data\_behind** - test for off-screen data in given forms

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include <form.h>
```

**bool data\_ahead(const FORM \****form***);** **bool data\_behind(const FORM \****form***);**

## DESCRIPTION

**The function data\_ahead tests whether there is off-screen data** **ahead in the given form.** **It returns TRUE (1) or FALSE (0).**

**The function data\_behind tests whether there is off-screen data** **behind in the given form.** **It returns TRUE (1) or FALSE (0).**

## PORTABILITY

**These routines emulate the System V forms library.** **They were not supported on** **Version 7 or BSD versions.**

## AUTHORS

**Juergen Pfeifer.** **Manual pages and adaptation for new curses by Eric S. Raymond.**

## SEE ALSO

**curses(3X),** **form(3X)**