Subj : Re: Deleting a record
To   : Sean Dennis
From : Scott Adams
Date : Sat Oct 01 2005 04:33 am

 -=> Quoting Sean Dennis to All <=-


 SD> I'm working on a new BBS door for my system and I need it to be able
 SD> to delete a record from a file.  This is a typed file and only
 SD> contains five fields for each record.  I'm not wanting to have to read
 SD> the file, remove the one record, then rewrite the file again (kinda
 SD> the long way around).  Any suggestions? 

        Theres no correct or easy way.  In fact theres dozens
        of ways to handle this.  Some as complex like B-Trees
        and such.  Some as simple as sorting/record management
        routines.  But since its a simple door.  You could simply
        locate the record (SEEK) then use some code like for
        the header or stringer make it -1 or NULL or something.
        Then when the BBS closes or does maintenance at night
        It can then rewrite the file and clean out the mess.
        Course since its only 5 fields and likely only a dozen
        or so data for players?  Then likely either way is
        fast and simple.  But I'm sure by now folks have given
        suggestions.

        Opps. Forgot.  At the maintenance or close.  Simply
        read each rocord as you suggest. Skip those with the
        delete attribute (-1/NULL/"DELETE"/etc.) and bam
        its done.  

.... Mister Garibaldi !!!!!   I Knoooooww....  
--- Fringe BBS
 * Origin: EWOG II - The Fringe - 904-733-1721 (1:112/91)

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