a �crit dans le message : 8eaaa2$rkl$1@nnrp1.deja.com... > An array of File_Type might well do the trick even though I might have > to think up some arbitrary limits to this array. while not too elegent, > will do the trick. Thank you. > > In case it matters the application is a "C" preprocessor (like) that > supports inclusion of other files . I would rather not have to close > and reopen/seek etc. > In this case, why don't you use a local variable for the file ? Stacking will occur automatically... There's only one trick: don't forget to close the file when you leave the procedure that holds the variable. Otherwise, you'll leave a file open with no way of closing it. If you declare a local file variable, it is advisable to end the subprogram with: exception when others => if Is_Open (F) then close (F); end if; end; -- --------------------------------------------------------- J-P. Rosen (Rosen.Adalog@wanadoo.fr) Visit Adalog's web site at http://pro.wanadoo.fr/adalog