Firebird Generator Guide

A guide on how and when to use generators in Firebird

Frank Ingermann

7 May 2006 – Document version 0.2

Table of Contents

Introduction
Generator Basics
SQL statements for generators
Using generators to create unique row IDs
What else to do with generators
A. Document history
B. License notice

Introduction

What is this article about?
Who should read it?

What is this article about?

This article explains what Firebird generators are, and how and why you should use them. It is an attempt to collect all relevant information about generators in a single document.

Who should read it?

Read this article if you...

are not familiar with the concept of generators;
have questions on using them;
want to make an Integer column behave like an “AutoInc” field as found in other RDBMSs;
are looking for examples on how to use generators for IDs or other tasks;
want to know the Firebird word for a “sequence” in Oracle.