Re2: how to tell if a file is still being modified (use the filename as a communications channel)

[dragonchild]

This is the method we use in batch processing at one of the largest banks in the US. Another method is to poll the size of the file every so many seconds. After the file doesn't grow for N polls (usually 2), we can assume the file is done. -s isn't that expensive, especially in the batch world.

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The idea is a little like C++ templates, except not quite so brain-meltingly complicated. -- TheDamian, Exegesis 6

Please remember that I'm crufty and crochety. All opinions are purely mine and all code is untested, unless otherwise specified.