- If the data is not laid out in fixed columns, you must use list input.
- If the data is laid out in fixed columns, you have a choice: column or formatted style.
- Easier in the long run. Strongly consider how difficult it will be to change your code if the specifications change in the future.
- If you are given beginning and ending column definitions, column input style is easier
- If you are given lengths of the fields, formatted input style is easier
You can mix styles in the same input statement
Something missing? Note that "whichever runs fastest" is not on the above list of considerations.
Unless you have a massive dataset the ratio of human time/computer time = 
.
Rule: There is nothing more expensive than your time. Wetware is far more expensive than hardware or software.
