Convert NTX to DB2

Understanding NTX and DB2 file formats

NTX files are index files used primarily by Clipper and dBASE database management systems. They store indexing information to speed up data retrieval from database tables, but do not contain actual data themselves.

DB2 refers to IBM's relational database management system. Files associated with DB2 typically contain structured data in a format compatible with IBM DB2 databases, such as exported tables in CSV, SQL, or proprietary formats.

Purpose of converting NTX to DB2

Since NTX files are index files and not data files, converting NTX to DB2 usually means migrating the underlying database structure and data (often stored in DBF files) to a DB2-compatible format, and then recreating the indexes in DB2.

How to convert NTX to DB2

1. Extract data from DBF files: Use a tool like DBF Viewer 2000 or DBF Converter to export the data from your DBF files (which are indexed by NTX) to a format such as CSV or SQL.
2. Export index definitions: Note the index fields and expressions from the NTX files. You may need a tool like Clipper or DBF Manager to view NTX index structures.
3. Import data into DB2: Use IBM DB2 tools such as IBM Data Studio or the db2import command to import the exported data into your DB2 database.
4. Recreate indexes in DB2: Use SQL commands in DB2 to create indexes that match the original NTX index definitions. For example, use CREATE INDEX statements in DB2.

Recommended software for NTX to DB2 conversion

• DBF Viewer 2000 – For exporting DBF data and viewing NTX indexes.
• IBM Data Studio – For importing data and managing DB2 databases.
• DBF Converter – For converting DBF files to CSV or SQL formats.

Step-by-step example using DBF Viewer 2000 and IBM Data Studio

1. Open your DBF file in DBF Viewer 2000.
2. Export the data: File → Export → CSV or File → Export → SQL.
3. Note the NTX index fields using the index viewer in DBF Viewer 2000.
4. In IBM Data Studio, connect to your DB2 database.
5. Import the CSV or SQL file into DB2 using the import wizard or File → Import Data.
6. Recreate the indexes in DB2 using CREATE INDEX SQL statements based on the NTX definitions.

Summary

Direct conversion from NTX to DB2 is not possible since NTX files are only indexes. The process involves exporting data from DBF files, noting the NTX index structure, importing the data into DB2, and then recreating the indexes in DB2. DBF Viewer 2000 and IBM Data Studio are recommended tools for this workflow.