Function FLock() Foundation

Locks a database file opened as SHARED for write access.

Syntax
FLock() --> lSuccess
Return

The return value of FLock() is .T. (true) if the database file was locked for SHARED write access. Otherwise .F. (false) is returned.

Description

The database function FLock() locks an open database file for write access preventing write access from other work stations. This is required for a multi-user application in a network environment when a user is executing file operations on a file which could be in use by other users at the same time. When the file could be locked, FLock() returns the value .T. (true). The file is then available to other users only for read access until the file lock is released with DbUnlock(), RLock() or a command like UNLOCK or CLOSE.

A file must be locked with FLock() when file operations that change more than one record are executed. Commands like INDEX ON or UPDATE ON which affect all records of a file belong to this group. Also, when more than one record will be changed by RECALL, DELETE or REPLACE, a file lock must be set in a multi-user application. The effect of FLock() is equivalent to a USE command with the option EXCLUSIVE specified.

Each call to FLock() attempts to lock the file in a work area only once. When the function is used without the alias operator, the attempt to lock the file occurs in the current work area. When the file was locked, FLock() returns the value .T. (true). The file then remains locked to other users until the file lock is released. Other users have only read access to the file after a successful lock.

When relations are defined for the specified file using SET RELATION or DbRelation(), dependent files may also need to be locked. Automatic locking of all dependent files does not occur using FLock().

Examples
FLock()
// The example demonstrates the use of FLock(). 

PROCEDURE Main 
   USE Customer NEW 

   IF FLock() 
      INDEX ON CustomerNo                TO CustA 
      INDEX ON Upper(LastName+FirstName) TO CustB 
   ELSE 
      ? "File CUSTOMER could not be locked" 
      ? "Index files were not created." 
   ENDIF 

   CLOSE Customer 
RETURN 

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