Resolved csv to dbf

I need to build a dBASE III database (dbf) from a comma delimited file (csv).

I see several converters on-line for sale, but are there any reliable free (really free) downloads around. I probably sound like a cheapscate, but my project may be a one-time load, plus I don't need all the bells and wistles that come with the purchased software.

Tom

 

You don't need any 3rd party software to export/import data to/from "csv ".

To import data, create the appropriate dbf file & then use APPEND FROM command :

APPEND FROM FileName | ?[FIELDS FieldList] [FOR lExpression]

[[TYPE] [DELIMITED [WITH Delimiter | WITH BLANK | WITH TAB

| WITH CHARACTER Delimiter] | DIF | FW2 | MOD | PDOX | RPD |

SDF | SYLK | WK1 | WK3 | WKS | WR1 | WRK | CSV | XLS | XL5

 

Great news rsinfo,
I'm not at the location where I can try the Append From command. In a few days I'll post the results of my attempt. Thanks a bunch!

Please excuse my ignorance, but I'm new at this database environment... how do I create an "appropriate dbf file" from scratch? I'm using an HP laptop with XP Pro.

 

Appropriate dbf file means a dbf file which has all the fields with proper types [Character,Numeric,Logical] & width. There must be one to one correspondence between the data which you are trying to import & the structure of your database file otherwise some fields would not be imported or wrongly imported.

 

Okay Mattman. I guess I deserved the dictionary definition of "appropriate ". I only included that term while quoting you thinking it had something to do with parameters other than data characteristics... sorry. I have some experience with data characteristics from using Avery software when creating databases for printing labels. However, they have a wizard for creating a new database built into their application. What I realy need to know is how do I establish a new empty .dbf file before I use the Append From command. Do I use a DOS command or some downloadable software?

Hey. I beleive Avery uses dBase III (dbf). Maybe I could launch a database that way and then use the Append From command. I'll give it a try and post my results.

 

clinet, I'm inexperienced with databases but I'd gather you'd use whatever database manager application you'll be using the APPEND command in to create the initially empty database file. eg (and I'm showing my age now) you could use Borlands DBase to create the file and execute APPEND FROM in there.

NOTE: APPEND FROM is an SQL command, not DOS

 

client, As wildfire pointed out, you need some database program [like dBase,FoxPro,VFP etc.] to create a database file & then to import the data.

In your original question, you had given dBase III as your database file. If you don't have access to complete program I don't see a way to create database file & import data. If you can only create a database file from the program, the program itself has to support import of data.

The other way to do it is to take your data to somebody who has the complete database program, create a database file & import data. If you want to import data only once, it would be a feasible option but if you need to import it on a regular basis then you have to search for other options.

 

Thanks guys for all your input. Looks like this greenhorn has some book learn'n to do when it comes to database applications... it all sounded so easy at first.

And to rsinfo... I apologize for previously addressing you as Mattman. He's a great guy too though so don't take it personal. : )

 

Is the database you want to create a DBase III file or a Dbase III PLUS file???? If it's a Dbase III PLUS file, take a look here for an introduction:

http://www.manmrk.net/tutorials/database/dbase/IntrodBASEIIIPlus.htm.

Lots of info on how to set up for database.

 

Thanks pweegar, This source is certainly a boat load of info.