robertgilland wrote:

> I want to regularly replace the content of an External ascii table
> file.
> However Firebird is holding it open.
> Has anyone else had this problem?
>

Yes. I use this quite a lot. Instead of sending lots of information
"over the line" in sql statements I fill an external file on the server
and have a stored procedure do whatever necessary with the data.

What version are you using? I have a vague memory that this was fixed in
some FB version. I suggest checking the detailed logs.

Also what I do is *overwrite* the ASCII file rather that recreate it.
Mostly in my case this is done with WinAPI from a Delphi program on the
same server via a Samba setup.

I am quite positive (after a fast check) that I don't have to do any DDL
between cycles. After a complete restore, though, there are almost
always small problems and I often have to recreate the table.

HTH

/Dany