I have lots of scenarios where I do an SQL (may be complex) and then work

>>with the results, however I often want to check that a record has been
>>returned. My code has used recordCount for this, however I believe that to
>>do this with IBO components the components must run an SQL with the
>>equivalent of a Count(). I don't want to do this. What is the best
>>alternative, just check EOF?
>>
>>
>
>Never use counts!! Use the IsEmpty property for queries; for ib_cursors,
>call First and then check EOF.
>
>
>
>

Helen:

Is there any reason why "First" instead of just "Open"?

For example, would you advise against this kind of code (for any
reason?) (curSomeData is a TIB_Cursor component in a Delphi app, with
the SQL property assigned at design time.)

procedure SomeProcedure(iParam:integer);
begin
with curSomeData do try
if not prepared then prepare;
Params[0].AsInteger := iParam;
Open;
if not eof then while not eof do begin
Next;
end;
finally
close;
end;
end;

Is there any need/reason to unprepare?

Thanks.
Dennis McFall