Locking source and destination files

[evergreean43]

I have a small script that works where it copies a file from one Windows server to another. The destination file is always overwritten.

Now I think I should check if the file I am copying from (sourceFile) is opened by someone and also check if the file I am copying to (destinationFile) is being used.

Here is my current copy command:

Use File::Copy
...
copy($sourceFile,$destinationFile) ||  die "$!";

Please advise how I can do this because I am not sure about opening it up and how flock works?

open(INPUT, "<$sourceFile");  
@data = <INPUT>;        
close(INPUT);            
open (OUTPUT, ">$sourceFile"); 
flock(OUTPUT, 2);        
copy($sourceFile,$destinationFile) ||  die "$!";

 

[MikeLacey]

Hi,

On a windows machine you'll find that the open() function when called with a '> like that will fail if the file exists and is already in use.

Mike

I am not inscrutable.

Want great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at faq219-2884

 

[evergreean43]

Should I even bother with the lock attempt?

I am copying an Access 2000 database and it seems to copy even if someone is already using it on the destination and source ends.

 

[MikeLacey]

I wouldn't no - just check the return value of the open() function

Mike

The options are: fast, cheap and right - pick any two.

Want great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at faq219-2884