Easy. It is using temporary files the *correct* way.
- Open file
- Unlink file
- Use file
- Close file
This means (a) even if the process abends the resources allocated to the file are released and (b) an external process can't see [or modify] the temporary file.
When a file is unlinked it remains 'active' until all references to the file are released - but the daemon is still holding a reference [because it is using the file].
There is a file there, but nobody, not even root, can see it.
Actually you can; if you look in /proc/{pid#}/fd ...
-- System & Network Administrator [ LPI & NCLA ] http://www.whitemiceconsulting.com OpenGroupware Developer http://www.opengroupware.us Adam Tauno Williams
In fact, I did look in /proc/{pid#}/fd and found the file names, thanks! Coud quite figure out the size of those invisible files - but no matter, hopefully I've got enough room.
Thanks.
Boris.