Step-by-Step Conversion of a dBase Database to
an Internet-accessible BASIS Database
D. Jiménez Krause & S. Harrer
ZADI, Bonn
In order to convert a dBASE database into an online BASIS database the
following steps are needed:
1. Preparation and Export of Data (Windows)
-
Original dBASE Database is sent from the CCDB manager via diskette, email
or ftp (file transfer protocol) to ZADI.
-
Additional check of the database structure at ZADI (e.g. field labels,
field type, length, etc. according to the IPGRI Minimal Passport Descriptor
List).
-
Creating the file STRUCT.DBF. This file contains informations for the BASIS
database structure equivalent to the original dBASE database structure.
This file is edited by hand; it also contains further information, e.g.
a text explanation of the database fields (descriptors).
-
Generating the BASIS database definition file from the file STRUCT.DBF.
This file is used later for the definition and creation of the BASIS database.
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Generating the file for data import into BASIS from the original dBASE
database. It contains the original data in a format ready to be loaded
later into the BASIS database.
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Copying both the BASIS database definition and data import files to the
Unix database server.
2. BASIS Database (Unix)
Definition and creation of the BASIS database in Unix by running the BASIS
database management procedure with the previously created definition file.
Upload data by running the BASIS data load procedure and loading the previously
created data import file.
3. Internet Presentation and Layout (Windows)
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BASIS automatically generates standard WWW forms for the search and the
data output.
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Manipulation (layout enhancement) of the standard BASIS forms.
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Creation of the home page of the CCDB with information about content and
history as well as contact information of the database responsible. In
the home page, links to the search BASIS-WWW forms (general search form
and predefined search forms) are provided.