.mdb vs .dbf

which one to use?

[geoapa]

I just began a database/ASP project to displaying content on a web page that is stored in a database file.

This web site currently has 2 pages where this is implemented and they are using 2 .dbf files for storing their data.

I have to created another database file for a 3rd page of content and would like to create it as a dbf.

I'm having a little trouble creating a dbf in Access. Is there a standard program for creating/editing these types of files? Are there advantages of using dbf files over mdb files?

[Dreamquick]

dbf are dbase files rather than Access databases (mdb), while I've never used dbf files for website storage I do know they are robust but not very space efficient so are likely not to scale well.

Advantages? Having never used dbase files for a website back-end I couldn't honestly say, however they are a format far older than Access and by all accounts Access isn't really geared for multi-user environments, so I'd suspect that dbase files wouldn't be either...

If you really want to create dbf files either find a way to export your current datasources to this format (should be easy enough). Alternately I've used VisualFoxPro/FoxPro to create dbfs in the past but I'm sure there are better ways...

Given that most hosts offer limited mySQL access as part of the basic price I'd suggest if you get the opportunity you move up to a modern rdbms rather than sticking with file-based systems - you'll find it's far less problematic in the long run.

- Tony

[morpheus83]

I have not used MySQL or dbase. But I use access frequently. However I have noticed that Access takes up a lot of space. The best alternative is SQL server or MySQL. However MySQL does not have a graphical interface. So you will have problems getting used to it. But it is much cheaper than MS SQL.

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

I'm having a little trouble creating a dbf in Access.

That figures. MDB is Access' native format, DBF isn't. Why don't you simply use MDB?