Convert FPT to SQL

Understanding FPT and SQL file formats

FPT files are memo files used by database systems like FoxPro and dBASE. They store large text or binary data associated with database records, typically referenced from a corresponding DBF file. SQL files, on the other hand, contain Structured Query Language statements used to define, manipulate, and query relational databases. Converting FPT to SQL involves extracting memo data and generating SQL statements to insert this data into a database.

How to convert FPT to SQL

Since FPT files are not standalone and require their associated DBF files, the conversion process involves:

1. Extracting memo data from the FPT file using the DBF structure.
2. Generating SQL INSERT statements to recreate the data in a relational database.

Recommended software for FPT to SQL conversion

The best tools for this conversion are:

• DBF Viewer 2000: Allows you to open DBF files with FPT memos and export data to SQL scripts. Use File → Export → SQL Script.
• DBF Converter by WhiteTown Software: Supports batch conversion of DBF/FPT to SQL. Use File → Open, then Export → SQL.
• Full Convert: A professional tool for database migration, supporting DBF/FPT to various SQL databases.

Manual conversion steps

1. Open your DBF file (with the FPT in the same folder) in your chosen software.
2. Select the records and fields you want to export, ensuring memo fields are included.
3. Choose Export or Save As and select SQL as the output format.
4. Configure the SQL dialect (MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.) if prompted.
5. Save the resulting SQL file, which will contain CREATE TABLE and INSERT statements with your memo data.

Tips for successful conversion

• Always keep the FPT and DBF files together during conversion.
• Check the exported SQL file for encoding issues, especially with special characters in memo fields.
• Test-import the SQL file into your target database to ensure data integrity.