A SIF (Synchronet Interface File) is a text file with a small structured format that drives interactive prompts in the BBS. The most common use is the new-user questionnaire — a sysop-defined set of questions presented to users on first logon, with the answers stored in their account record for the sysop to review later.
SIF files live in the text directory with a .sif extension. The file text/example.sif ships with Synchronet as a reference for every supported syntax element.
Configured in SCFG → System → New User Values:
.sif extension) presented to new users on first logon. If a user does not yet have stored answers, they receive this questionnaire automatically.
The sysop reviews a user's answers from the in-BBS User Editor with the # command.
Sysops can run any SIF on demand with the ;SIF string command from the main prompt (enter the filename without the .sif extension).
A SIF is a plain text file. Only text between an STX (Ctrl-B / ASCII 2) and an ETX (Ctrl-C / ASCII 3) is presented to the user; everything else is treated as comments. After each ETX, a compact field specifier defines the input mode for the next answer.
<STX> prompt text <ETX>mode[mod][l][r][x][.n]["str"]
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
STX | ASCII 2 (Ctrl-B). Marks start of displayed prompt text. |
prompt text | Any number of ASCII characters, Ctrl-A codes supported. |
ETX | ASCII 3 (Ctrl-C). Marks end of displayed prompt text and start of the input specifier. |
mode | Required. c = single character, s = string. |
mod | Optional mode modifier: n = numeric only, u = uppercase, f = forced word capitalization (string mode only). |
l | Display an inverse-color input bar of the maximum length. |
r | Append a CR/LF to this field in the stored data buffer. Only useful for buffer/file readability — without it, all answers run together on one line. |
x | Maximum string length. Required for non-template s mode. |
.n | Minimum string length (string mode only). |
“str” | In s mode: a template defining input shape. Characters N (numeric), A (alphabetic), or ! (any) accept user input; all other characters are printed literally. Common templates: “NNN-NNN-NNNN” (phone), “NN/NN/NN” (date). In c mode: the set of acceptable characters (case-insensitive), e.g. “ABC” for a multiple-choice answer. When specified in c mode, u and n modifiers have no effect; input is uppercased automatically. |
Uppercase string, 3-8 chars, with input bar and trailing newline:
<STX>Enter string: <ETX>sulr8.3
Prints Enter string: followed by an 8-cell input bar, uppercases all input, accepts 3-8 characters, appends CRLF.
Multiple choice:
<STX> A> First Answer B> Second Answer C> Third Answer Which: <ETX>c"ABC"
Prints the menu, accepts exactly one of A, B, or C.
Phone number with template:
<STX>Enter phone number: <ETX>s"NNN-NNN-NNNN"
Prints the prompt, accepts only digits at the N positions, auto-skips the dashes.
See text/example.sif for an annotated working example covering every supported field type and modifier.
.sif files)# command to review answers)