"Daniel Rail" <daniel@...> wrote in message
news:5.1.0.14.2.20020320121612.00be1da8@......

>
> Here's the process that is used in my code (the syntax might not be
> accurate, but gives you an idea):
> 1. ALTER TABLE tbl ADD TEMP VARCHAR(6) CHARACTER SET UNICODE_FSS

commit;

> 2. UPDATE tbl SET TEMP=field_being_updated

commit;

> 3. ALTER TABLE tbl DROP field_being_updated

commit;

> 4. ALTER TABLE tbl ALTER TEMP TO field_being_updated

commit;

It seems like I'm teasing you, but no.
Both DYN (metadata mangler) and DFW (data and metadata mangler at commit
time) are industrial-strength can of worms. Avoid getting in their way or it
would be like a train hitting a tricycle.
You mixed DDL and DML. Usually, tools handle auto-commit DDL and manual
commit DML, but this is not mandatory to use separate transactions for them
and in isql, it's an option. By renaming a field to the original name, I can
imagine (but I'm not sure) how the disaster happens. You need the commits.

I personally understand people's need to change metadata on live databases,
but I never do. I better play ping-pong with nitroglycerine balls or join a
russian roulette club.

C.
--
Claudio Valderrama C. - http://www.cvalde.com - http://www.firebirdSql.org
Independent developer
Owner of the Interbase® WebRing