Convert FPT to CDX

Understanding FPT and CDX file formats

FPT files are FoxPro Memo files used by database systems like FoxPro and Visual FoxPro. They store variable-length text or binary data associated with database records, such as notes or large text fields. CDX files are Compound Index files, also used by FoxPro and Visual FoxPro, which store index information to speed up data retrieval in database tables.

Why convert FPT to CDX?

Direct conversion from FPT (memo data) to CDX (index data) is uncommon, as they serve different purposes. However, in some database migration or recovery scenarios, you may need to extract data from FPT files and create new indexes (CDX) based on that data for optimized searching and sorting.

How to convert FPT to CDX

There is no direct one-step converter for FPT to CDX, but you can achieve the result by:

1. Opening your FoxPro database (DBF with associated FPT) in a database management tool.
2. Extracting or updating the memo fields as needed.
3. Creating a new index (CDX) on the desired fields, including those containing memo data if supported.

Recommended software for FPT and CDX management

• Microsoft Visual FoxPro: The native environment for working with DBF, FPT, and CDX files. Use File → Open to load your database, then Table → Indexes to manage or create CDX files.
• DBF Viewer Plus: A free tool for viewing and editing DBF databases, including FPT and CDX support.
• DBF Manager: A commercial tool for advanced DBF, FPT, and CDX file operations, including index creation and memo field management.

Step-by-step process using Visual FoxPro

1. Open your database: File → Open and select your DBF file (with FPT attached).
2. Review or edit memo fields as needed.
3. Create a new index: Table → Indexes, choose the field (including memo if supported), and save as a CDX file.

Conclusion

While FPT and CDX files serve different roles in FoxPro databases, you can extract data from FPT files and create new CDX indexes using database management tools like Visual FoxPro or DBF Manager. There is no direct file-to-file conversion, but the process is straightforward with the right software.