What is a .DBT file?
A .DBT file is a special kind of file that works with databases, specifically with the text parts of the database. Think of a database like a big digital filing cabinet where lots of information is stored in different sections. Some of these sections are called memo fields, and they can hold a lot of text. Instead of putting all this text directly into the main database file (which is usually a .DBF file), the text is kept in a .DBT file. This is like keeping a note in a separate drawer but having a note in the main drawer that tells you where to find it. This way, the main database file stays smaller and more organized, and it can still hold a lot of detailed text information.
These .DBT files are used by computer programs that manage databases, such as dBASE and Microsoft Visual FoxPro. These programs can create and work with databases for all sorts of purposes, like keeping track of customer information or managing large sets of data for analysis.
You can open and look at a .DBT file using any basic text editor, like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on a Mac, because the file is essentially just text. However, to really use and understand the information in a .DBT file, it's best to open it with the database program that created it, like dBASE or Microsoft Visual FoxPro. There's also a program called Swiftpage Act! that can work with these files.
It's interesting to note that while .DBT files are mainly for text, they can also point to where pictures are stored. So, if a memo field in the database is supposed to show a picture, the .DBT file won't have the picture itself but will tell the database program where to find the picture file, like a JPG or GIF, on the computer.
In summary, .DBT files help keep databases organized and efficient by storing extra text and information separately but still easily accessible. You can open them with simple text editors or specific database management programs to view or edit the information.
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