Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!ucsd!nosc!crash!simpact!dsmith
From: dsmith@simpact.com
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: "comma-delimited" format for data files
Message-ID: <838.25ab9f25@simpact.com>
Date: 11 Jan 90 04:46:29 GMT
References: <3008@infmx.UUCP>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Simpact Associates, San Diego CA
Lines: 48

In article <3008@infmx.UUCP>, aland@infmx.UUCP (Dr. Scump) writes:
> 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?

You are correct.

>    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?

The format originated back in the CP/M days when DBASE and other
BASIC programs used this as their internal format.  The format is
used today for interchange of information between programs with
different internal formats such as DBASE III and Supercalc or 123.

>    3) what is the protocol for embedding a double quote within a 
>       character field to keep it from being taken as a delimiter?

Two double quotes in a row within a string.

>    4) are DATE-type fields enclosed in quotes, for those products
>       which support a DATE datatype and use comma-delimited format?

I have not seen a DATE type field.

>    5) why did De Anza have to start the Winter Quarter on January 2nd?
>       (optional - extra credit)

You got me!

> 
> 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."