TI Programs Vs. Data Files

I read somewhere that if a TI-99/4A program sets up a data file, the data file should be stored on a separate disk or cassette from the program. Why is that? It seems to me that the logical place for the data would be on the same disk or cassette as the program using it.

Florence Fischer

Files are not saved or loaded by name on a cassette, and the TI makes no distinction between data and program files. As a result, if you place a data file on a tape following a program file, you may have difficulty locating the data file (especially if your recorder lacks a moderately accurate counter). Also, if you place the data file prior to the program file on the tape, and later expand your data file, you may end up writing over the program file.

For these reasons, it is wise to keep your program and data files on separate cassettes (or on opposite sides of a single cassette). No such problems exist for disk files since programs are stored by name and are labeled as program, data, etc., on the disk.