Importing from text files

dBase, Calc, CSV, MS ACCESS, MySQL, PostgrSQL, OTHER
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nilodam
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Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 8:00 pm

Importing from text files

Post by nilodam »

I am brand new to OpenOffice. I want to import some simple databases (one with a subform) into Base from Filemaker on another computer. I assumed I could import directly from a tab separated document, but was unsuccessful. I am accustomed to menu import options in Access and Filemaker, but did not see anything comparable in Base. Help says you can import text files etc. but in read-only mode only. I need read-write.
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JohnV
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Location: Kentucky, USA

Re: Importing from text files

Post by JohnV »

Try giving your file a .csv extension which should cause it to open in Calc. If so, save the Calc file as type dBase. In Base you can Connect to Existing Database of type dBase and it will be r/w.
nilodam
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Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 8:00 pm

Re: Importing from text files

Post by nilodam »

Johnv

Many thanks for the prompt reply. I must have done something wrong. I followed your directions, and all went as you said until the last step: connect to existing database of type dBase. At that point, all files were grayed out (non-openable). What did I do?
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r4zoli
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Re: Importing from text files

Post by r4zoli »

I suggest other way, when you opened csv file in Calc, copy sheet into clipboard, and insert into Base.

Edit:
I just now read your first post carefully. And recognised that, you needs editable csv file connection. you don't need to import your data into odb file, you can use your csv file as external data source, not more work than importing data.
I created a tutorial, [Tutorial] Using csv/text files as editable data source.
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JohnV
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Re: Importing from text files

Post by JohnV »

nilodam,

When you connect to dBase you do not connect to the actual file but its directory. All other dBase files in such directory will be also be available without further action.

r4zoli,

Nice tutorial!
nilodam
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 8:00 pm

Re: Importing from text files

Post by nilodam »

JohnV and R4Zoli

Thank you so much for your careful replies. I have marked the query as solved and, I am sure your answers will add to the group knowledge. I tired to follow your directions, and in both cases became hopelessly confused. I am afraid I am just not up to the code writing level. Just a senior citizen who likes databases. I gave up and have purchased Filemaker with which I am familiar.

I applaud what OpenOffice is doing and have sent a contribution.

Best wishes and thanks again to all.
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