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Format

dBASE Database

Summary

Name
dBASE Database
Version
II
Identifiers
PUID: x-fmt/8
Format type
Database
Description
dBase is a database management systems for microcomputers.The dBase system includes the core database engine, a query system, a forms engine, and a programming language that ties all of these components together. dBase's underlying file format, the .dbf file, is widely used in applications needing a simple format to store structured data.
File extensions
dbf
Source
Digital Preservation Department / The National Archives
Developed by
dBASE Inc.
Supported by
dBASE Inc.

Internal signatures

dBase Table Version II (date last updated (month (1-12), day (1-31), year)

Note
Version number (02), date last updated ((month (1-12), day (1-31), year), Maximum length of each record =1000, first character of field name is upper or lowercase ASCII letter (41-5A) or (61-7A), Field Type (C, N or L)

Byte sequences

Min Frag Length
Absolute from BOF
Offset
0
Max offset
None
Byte Sequence
02{2}[01:1C][01:1F]????[00:03]([41:5A]|[61:7A]){10}(43|4E|4C)
Endianness
Little-endian

dBase Table Version II (date last updated MMDDYY all zero)

Note
Version number (02), date last updated MMDDYY all zero, Maximum length of each record =1000, first character of field name is upper or lowercase ASCII letter (41-5A) or (61-7A), Field Type (C, N or L)

Byte sequences

Min Frag Length
Absolute from BOF
Offset
0
Max offset
None
Byte Sequence
02{2}000000??[00:03]([41:5A]|[61:7A]){10}(43|4E|4C)
Endianness
Little-endian

Changelog

  • Updated in V112

    Release date
    10 May 2023

    dBASE Database II: Added developer. Submitted by Digital Preservation Department, The National Archives (UK).

  • Updated in V83

    Release date
    17 December 2015

    dBASE Database II: Added description.

  • Added in V46

    Release date
    8 February 2011

    dBASE Database II: Existing signature refined through PRONOM Research.

  • Added in V45

    Release date
    6 December 2010

    dBASE Database II: Signature submitted by Georgia Tech Research Institute, USA.