DBT File – What is .dbt file and how to open it?

Overview of DBT Files

DBT files, denoting “Database Text File,” are text-based files created by the dBASE database management system. Introduced by Ashton-Tate, dBASE was a widely used tool for managing and organizing data in the early days of personal computing. DBT files serve as a container for structured data, typically consisting of multiple records and fields. Each record represents a unit of data, while fields denote specific attributes associated with that record.

DBT files are characterized by their plaintext format, making them accessible for viewing and editing using simple text editors. The structure of a DBT file includes a header section, which contains information about the file format and record layout, followed by the data records. Each record is organized into fields, which are separated by delimiters such as commas or tabs. DBT files are designed to provide a simple and portable way to store and exchange data, particularly in environments where large volumes of data need to be handled in a structured manner.

Understanding DBT Files

DBT (Database Text File) files are plain text files that store database information in a structured format. Developed by dBASE, DBT files were primarily used with early versions of dBASE software as a way to import and export data in a textual format. They resemble comma-separated value (CSV) files, but with additional metadata and formatting options. Each line in a DBT file represents a single database row, with fields separated by delimiters and enclosed in quotation marks.

Opening DBT Files

Several software programs can open and read DBT files, including:

• dBASE compatible databases: These programs, such as dBASE Plus or FoxPro, can directly access and manipulate DBT files, allowing users to view, edit, and query the data.
• Spreadsheet software: Applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets can import DBT files as text files, preserving the data structure and field delimiters. However, they may require additional formatting to properly separate the fields and display the data correctly.
• Text editors: Basic text editors, such as Notepad or TextEdit, can also open DBT files, allowing users to view the raw text content. However, they may not provide any data manipulation capabilities.

dBASE Database Text File (.DBT)

The .DBT file extension is associated with dBASE, a database management system developed by dBASE, Inc., now a part of Borland Software Corporation. DBT files store the text data of a dBASE database. They are companion files to .DBF (dBASE Database File) files, which store the structure and metadata of the database.

DBT files contain the actual data stored in a dBASE database, including text, numbers, and dates. They are formatted in a simple text format, making them easy to read and edit with a basic text editor. However, they are not intended to be edited directly, as modifications can corrupt the database. Instead, DBT files should be manipulated through the dBASE user interface or a compatible database program.

To access the data stored in a DBT file, you need the corresponding .DBF file, which provides the necessary information about the data structure and field definitions. Together, the .DBF and .DBT files form a complete dBASE database. They are commonly used in conjunction with other dBASE files, such as .NDX (index files), .MDX (memo files), and .FPT (free-form memo files), to provide a comprehensive database management system for storing and organizing data.

Other Extensions