This function reads the next line of the services database file (TCPIP$ETC:SERVICES.DAT). An application program can use the getservent() function to retrieve information about a service (such as the protocol or the ports it uses) from the services database. The getservent() function returns a servent structure that contains information from the services database file. See servent Structure for a description of the servent structure. The servent structure is defined in the NETDB.H header file. The ASCII text services database file remains open after a call by the getservent() function. Use the endservent() function to close the services database file. Use the setservent() function to open the services database file and reset the file marker to the beginning of the file. The getservent function uses a common static area for its return values, so subsequent calls to this function overwrite any existing service entry. To save the services entry, you must make a copy of it. Related Functions See also setservent and endservent.