---
name: "form_data"
section: "3"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/data_ahead"
---

# form\_data(3)

test for off-screen data in given forms

Part of [data\_ahead(3)](/data_ahead/3.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)**