Re: Files opened for exclusive read

["Robert I. Eachus" <rieachus@comcast.net>]

Daniel Allex wrote:
> When Ada opens a file, the only option is for exclusive use.  This
> causes a problem when multiple executables may be reading at the same
> time.  Any suggestions?

Look into mode strings for your compiler.  When you open a file in 
Text_IO there is a mode parameter.  The meaning of the mode parameter is 
implementation defined.  Of course, the possible settings using the mode 
string will depend on the operating system as well, and Windows does not 
'simply' support file sharing.  In GNAT 3.15p a mode string of 
"shared=yes" will allow you to share a file within an Ada program (have 
it open under two different names with different positions).  But if you 
want to share a file with say an external C program, you probably have 
to use Interfaces.C_Strings.  The problem of course is the buffering 
that otherwise goes on.

Read the gnat_rm for much more detail.

-- 
                                           Robert I. Eachus

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do 
nothing." --Edmund Burke