Need help reading files

[sdunn]

I am trying to read a .dbf and a .dbt file when I open them in vi it's just a bunch of garbage is there any way to decode them or view them with a different editor?

[§ilhouette]

Originally posted by sdunn:
I am trying to read a .dbf and a .dbt file when I open them in vi it's just a bunch of garbage is there any way to decode them or view them with a different editor?

Those files were probably created by a dbase compatible database. Since they are not plain text, you will need something that can read dbase files. There a few of them out there, try the
Linux SQL Database and Tools (http://linas.org/linux/db.html) to start. Good luck!

[sdunn]

OK thanks!!!

[sdunn]

Which one should I get. Should I try them one at a time. Or is there some logic to the one I should pick.

[§ilhouette]

I've very briefly checked out XBase (http://linux.techass.com/projects/xdb/) and it seems pretty straightforward. But to be honest, I've never had to access dbase files before so my experience in the different ways of doing it is limited. Hope that helps.