Field Mapping of btrieve 5x Files

[matzos]

Hi all.

I have recently been put in charge of a project to extract data from one (yes, we use more than one)of our old btrieve database systems. It's version 5x and the files are stored as DBF. I can do the extraction but I need the mapping of the fields. The consulting firm that designed it for us 10 or so years ago did not provide us with any field layoutsso I can design a conversion program.

Unfortunately, I have very little experience with these types of databases. How could I learn the field order, lengths & types? Is there a utility that can read the DBF file(s) and give me that information?

Any help you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated.

Kevin

 

[mirtheil]

Field order is sequential. The field types however will be a little harder. Btrieve itself does not store any metadata for field information, except indexes. If the entire record is an index, then it would be easy. Do you have DDFs? If so, that will have field information including data types and lengths. If not, you might try some of the third party utilities like BTSearch or Pervasive's utilities like the FUnction Executor.


info@mirtheil.com
Custom VB and Btrieve development.
Certified Pervasive Developer
Certified Pervasive Technician

 

[matzos]

I have nothing. I need the order and types to build the DDFs. That's where my problem lies. Any idea where I could find the BTSearch you refer to? I have the Function Executor, but an unfamiliar with it. How would that help me to ID the order and/or field types. If I was able to get the order, I could use trial and error (and a lot of time) to figure out the types and length, if nec. I'm that desperate.

Thanks!

 

[grnelson]

You can download BtSearch at

http://www.nssdd.com.

It will help you analyze the structure of your existing files and helps you build the DDF files. Once built you can also use it to export to dbase or ascii format.


Gil