The xBase ODBC Driver is a powerful tool that allows you to connect with live xBase- compatible databases, directly from any applications that support ODBC connectivity. Access xBase databases like FoxPro & Clipper (.dbf, .ndx, .ntx, .dbt, etc) from virtually anywhere through a standard ODBC Driver interface.
xBase ODBC Connectivity Features
- Connect with xBase-compatible Database Engines like FoxPro & Clipper (.dbf, .ndx, .ntx, .dbt, etc).
- Connect to live xBase data, for real-time data access with the xBase ODBC Driver
- Full support for data aggregation and complex JOINs in SQL queries
- Generate table schema automatically based on existing xBase data or manually for greater control of the content you need
- Seamless integration with leading BI, reporting, and ETL tools and with custom applications via the xBase Connector.
Target Service, API
The driver connects to xBase-compatible database engines like FoxPro, Clipper, dBase, and others. Supports file formats including .dbf, .ndx, .ntx, .dbt, .fpt, .cdx files. Direct file system access to xBase database files.
Schema, Data Model
The driver automatically generates table schema based on existing xBase data files. Manual schema control available for greater customization. Supports memo fields, index files, and complex data types. The DataSource property must point to the folder containing .dbf files.
Key Objects
All tables defined in .dbf files within the specified folder. Index files (.ndx, .ntx, .cdx) for optimized data access. Memo fields stored in .dbt or .fpt files. Support for multiple xBase dialects including FoxPro, Clipper, dBase III/IV.
Operations
Full ANSI-92 SQL support on xBase data. SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE operations. Complex JOINs between xBase tables. Data aggregation functions (SUM, AVG, MAX, MIN). Table creation and schema modification. Replication queries for syncing to other databases.
Authentication
File-based access requiring file system permissions. No built-in authentication (relies on file system security). Network access if files are on network shares. Support for read-only and read-write modes.
Robust ODBC Access to xBase
Full-featured and consistent SQL access to any supported data source through ODBC
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Standards-Compliant ODBC
ODBC 3.8 compliant native protocol based drivers.
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Unicode, 32-bit and 64-bit support
Support 32-bit and 64-bit applications and unicode ODBC APIs.
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Cross-platform ODBC (Windows/Linux/Mac)
Available for Microsoft Windows, Unix, and Mac (macOS / OS X) platforms.
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Certified ODBC Compatibility*
Our drivers undergo extensive testing and are certified to be compatible with leading analytics and reporting applications like Tableau, Microsoft Excel, and many more.
* Please visit our knowledge base to access how-to articles. -
Embedded Remoting Capabilities
Our exclusive Remoting feature allows hosting the ODBC connection on a server to enable connections from various clients on any platform (Java, .NET, C++, PHP, Python, etc.), using any standards based technology (ODBC, JDBC, etc.). ODBC Remoting is enabled using the popular MySQL and SQL (TDS) wire protocol server.
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String, Date, Numeric SQL Functions
The driver includes a library of 50 plus functions that can manipulate column values into the desired result. Popular examples include Regex, JSON, and XML processing functions.
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Collaborative Query Processing
Our drivers enhance the data source's capabilities by additional client-side processing, when needed, to enable analytic summaries of data such as SUM, AVG, MAX, MIN, etc.
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Easily Customizable and Configurable
The data model exposed by our ODBC Drivers can easily be customized to add or remove tables/columns, change data types, etc. without requiring a new build. These customizations are supported at runtime using human-readable schema files that are easy to edit.
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Enterprise-class Secure Connectivity
Includes standard Enterprise-class security features such as TLS/ SSL data encryption for all client-server communications.
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Replication and Caching
Our replication and caching commands make it easy to copy data to local and cloud data stores such as Oracle, SQL Server, Google Cloud SQL, etc. The replication commands include many features that allow for intelligent incremental updates to cached data.
See what you can do with xBase ODBC Driver
Server
Connect to xBase from SQL Server as Linked-Server. You can query xBase from familiar Transact-SQL without need of setting up another application.
Integrate xBase to your system through popular ETL / EAI tools such as Informatica PowerCenter. Standard SQL and Stored Procedures enable fast delivery of your integration projects.
Connect xBase from any ODBC compatible tools:
Desktop
Your familiar tools can connect to xBase using CData ODBC.
- Microsoft Access
- Power Query
- DBeaver
- and more
Connect to xBase — empower every team
- Easiest way to connect to xBase
- Dashboard / Reports that connect with xBase
- Data drives business, but IT teams are overwhelmed by accessing numerous siloed sources like xBase. CData ODBC Drivers offer the fastest, easiest way to connect xBase to BI tools like SAP BusinessObjects, Crystal Reports, Qlik, or Access.
Integrate xBase to your system:
- Custom application integration with SQL
- SQL Server Linked Server
- Informatica PowerCenter
Need to integrate your internal systems with xBase? CData ODBC Drivers let you do it easily—access xBase as a SQL Server Linked Server or connect via tools like Informatica PowerCenter using an SQL-based driver, no extra middleware required.
- Data Client of your choice
- Excel, MS Access Linked-table, PowerQuery
Still exporting and importing CSVs manually or with scripts? CData ODBC Drivers give you live access to xBase — no middleware or files needed. Use your preferred tools and stay in control of your xBase data.
Frequently Asked xBase ODBC Driver Questions
Learn more about xBase ODBC drivers for data and analytics integration
Does xBase support ODBC?
Not natively. However, CData offers an ODBC driver for xBase that allows you to connect to xBase data from any ODBC-compliant application, just like you would access a traditional database. This can be useful for tasks like:
- Accessing xBase from applications: Connect to xBase data in popular tools and applications including Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Power BI, and many others.
- Real-time data: You can work with live xBase data within these applications, enabling tasks like reporting and analysis.
- Connecting systems: Build data integrations between xBase and other systems.
The xBase ODBC driver is an ODBC 3.8 compliant native protocol-based driver with comprehensive ANSI SQL-92 support. This means that virtually any application that can connect to data via ODBC, can use the CData ODBC driver for real-time integration. Download a fully functional free trial of the xBase ODBC driver today to get started.
Is there an ODBC driver for xBase?
Yes, the CData ODBC driver for xBase provides universal ODBC data connectivity for xBase. The xBase ODBC driver offers a simple SQL-based layer of abstraction that simplifies real-time data access for users and applications, enabling them to communicate with xBase using a standardized set of functions. Virtually any application on any platform (including Windows, macOS, or *nix) can use the CData ODBC driver for real-time integration.
How do I connect to xBase via ODBC?
Connectivity to xBase via ODBC is easy. First, download and install the xBase ODBC driver. The download page includes separate installers for Windows, macOS, and Unix, so please select the xBase ODBC driver that matches the platform where you intend to use the driver.
Once the installation is complete, navigate to the ODBC driver documentation page. Here, you'll find a wealth of information about the installed driver. The step-by-step instructions for creating a DSN and using it to connect to xBase via ODBC are just the beginning. The documentation also provides extensive configuration details for using the xBase ODBC driver with all your favorite applications and development tools, ensuring you have all the support you need.
Where can I download an ODBC driver for xBase?
All of the CData ODBC drivers, including the xBase ODBC driver are available for download online. To get started, download a fully functional free trial of the xBase ODBC driver today.
How do I install an ODBC driver for xBase?
To install the xBase driver, simply download one of the xBase ODBC driver installers available online. The download page includes separate Windows, macOS, and Unix installers, so please select the xBase ODBC driver that matches the platform where you intend to use the driver. The installers are comprehensive setup utilities that will install all the components required to use the xBase ODBC driver on your system.
Is the xBase ODBC driver 32-bit or 64-bit?
The xBase ODBC driver is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit binaries. The xBase driver installer will allow you to install both options, and you can select the ODBC driver binary that is appropriate for the system where you intend to use the driver.
Does pyODBC work with xBase?
Absolutely. The xBase ODBC driver seamlessly supports pyODBC connectivity. For example, check out this article on our online knowledgebase that demonstrates how you can connect to xBase from PyCharm using pyODBC and the xBase ODBC driver.
However, besides ODBC support, we also provide native Python data connectivity for xBase. To learn more, check out the xBase Python Connector online.