ASSIGN

Syntax

   AS[SIGN] [data base name:] LOCKOPTION = {ON

                                            OFF}

For example:

   >ASSIGN LOCKOPTION = OFF

Discussion

When LOCKOPTION is set to ON (the default), QUERY automatically locks data bases opened by QUERY in mode 1 or 5 while a retrieval or reporting command is executing. This ensures that the resulting report does not contain errors due to dynamic changes made by other users concurrently accessing the same data.

In some cases, automatic locking may be overprotective if no other users can concurrently modify data that affects your retrieval or reporting command. For example, protection may be provided through data base passwords or through exclusive scheduling of tasks. In such cases, automatic locking by QUERY can needlessly increase response time for other users. By setting the LOCKOPTION to OFF, you prevent QUERY from locking data bases opened in mode 1 or 5. However, when updating a data base opened in mode 1 or 5, QUERY locks regardless of the state of the LOCKOPTION.

The LOCKOPTION can be set to OFF or ON at any time, and remains in effect until it is reset by a subsequent ASSIGN command. To determine the current state of the LOCKOPTION, use the SHOW command.