Kjell,

>> <localhost> is NOT shared memory, it's a "local loopback", the
>> same as <hostname>

K> Yes, but nothing's stopping Firebird from detecting that
K> localhost/127.0.0.1 is used, bypass the TCP/IP stack altogether and use
K> a shared memory buffer instead.

why in the world should Firebird fool your connection string this way?
Sadism, perhaps? :-)

K> This is what I've been told is the case

You've been told something wrong, then.

K> I was unable to get my threaded app to work with localhost, I had to
K> use hostname.

Your problem was most probably of a different nature. localhost,
127.0.0.1, <hostname> and <IP address> are treated equivalent at such
a deeper level than Firebird can reach that I can guarantee you
there's no difference.

Ciao
--
Nando Dessena
http://www.flamerobin.org