DBase
Overview
dBase is a widely recognized database management system (DBMS) that has played a significant role in the development of database software. Originally developed by Wayne Ratliff in the late 1970s, dBase was one of the first database systems to be widely used on personal computers. It provided a simple yet powerful way to manage data, offering features such as a query language, forms, reports, and a programming language. Over the years, dBase has evolved through various versions, adapting to changes in technology and user needs.
History
The origins of dBase can be traced back to 1978 when Wayne Ratliff, an engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, created a program called Vulcan to manage data for a football pool. Vulcan was designed to run on the CP/M operating system and was later commercialized as dBase II by Ashton-Tate in 1980. Despite its name, there was no dBase I; the numbering was intended to suggest maturity and reliability.
dBase II quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use and powerful features, becoming a standard in the business world. Ashton-Tate released dBase III in 1984, which introduced new features and improvements, including support for larger databases and enhanced programming capabilities. dBase III Plus followed in 1986, adding a user-friendly interface and additional functionalities.
The release of dBase IV in 1988 marked a significant advancement, offering a more robust environment with improved performance and a graphical user interface. However, it faced stiff competition from other emerging database systems, such as FoxPro and Paradox. Ashton-Tate was eventually acquired by Borland in 1991, which continued to develop dBase until the mid-1990s.
Technical Features
dBase is known for its simplicity and flexibility, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users. Its core features include:
Data Storage
dBase stores data in tables, which are composed of rows and columns. Each table is saved as a separate file with a .dbf extension. The .dbf file format became a de facto standard for database files and is still widely used today.
Query Language
The dBase query language allows users to retrieve and manipulate data using simple commands. It supports operations such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE, enabling users to perform complex data manipulations with ease.
Programming Language
dBase includes a built-in programming language, often referred to as dBase Language or dBL. This language allows users to create scripts and applications to automate tasks and extend the functionality of the database. dBL is procedural and supports control structures, variables, and functions.
Forms and Reports
dBase provides tools for creating forms and reports, which enable users to input data and generate printed output. These tools are customizable, allowing users to design interfaces and reports that meet their specific needs.
Evolution and Impact
dBase's influence on the database industry is significant. It set the standard for many features that are now common in modern DBMSs, such as the use of a query language and the concept of a database file format. Its success also paved the way for the development of other database systems, including Microsoft Access and FileMaker.
Despite its early dominance, dBase faced challenges as the industry evolved. The rise of relational databases and the advent of SQL-based systems shifted the focus away from dBase's xBase language. However, dBase's legacy lives on, as many of its concepts and file formats continue to be used in various applications.
Modern Usage
Although dBase is no longer at the forefront of database technology, it remains in use today, particularly in legacy systems and small businesses that require a simple, cost-effective solution. Modern versions of dBase, such as dBase Plus, have been updated to run on contemporary operating systems and support newer technologies, including ODBC and SQL.