flock and file(myfile.txt)

If I want to use file(myfile.txt) and myfile.txt gets written to (flocked)
frequently, what is the best approach?

Should I try to get a lock on myfile.txt before using file(myfile.txt)?

What I'm thinking is something like this:

try a few times to pull the file into an array

if you can, then do this

if not, die

Other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

re: flock and file(myfile.txt)

If I want to use file(myfile.txt) and myfile.txt gets written to (flocked)How about this:

$myfile = "/path/to/myfile.txt";
$timeout = 0;
while ($timeout < 10)
{
if ($myarray = file($myfile))
{
break;
}
else
{
usleep(100000);
}
$timeout++;
}

Is this the right way to test file(myfile) ??