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From: aland@infmx.UUCP (Dr. Scump)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: "comma-delimited" format for data files
Keywords: comma comma down doobie do down down, comma comma
Message-ID: <3008@infmx.UUCP>
Date: 6 Jan 90 01:53:24 GMT
Reply-To: aland@infmx.UUCP (alan denney)
Distribution: usa
Organization: INFORMIX Professional Services ("Peace thru Normalization")
Lines: 29

I have heard the above term thrown around but can't find any hard info
on it.  I gather that the protocol is that all fields are delimited by
commas and that all character fields are enclosed in (double) quotes.

My questions:
   1) is the premise correct?  if not, what is the truth?
   2) what is the origin for the format, and how widely is it used?
      what product(s) use this format as their primary/only format
      for data unloaded to flat files?
   3) what is the protocol for embedding a double quote within a 
      character field to keep it from being taken as a delimiter?
   4) are DATE-type fields enclosed in quotes, for those products
      which support a DATE datatype and use comma-delimited format?
   5) why did De Anza have to start the Winter Quarter on January 2nd?
      (optional - extra credit)

I would appreciate it if people in the know email me a quick bit of
detail about this format.  We are considering supporting it in
our next DOS release, as customers do bring it up now and then.

Thanks muchly.

--
  Alan S. Denney  @  Informix Software, Inc.    "We're homeward bound
       {pyramid|uunet}!infmx!aland               ('tis a damn fine sound!)
 --------------------------------------------    with a good ship, taut & free
  Disclaimer:  These opinions are mine alone.    We don't give a damn, 
  If I am caught or killed, the secretary        when we drink our rum
  will disavow any knowledge of my actions.      with the girls of old Maui."