DBF files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Database File
General Information
| Title | DBF File Extension |
| Extension | .dbf |
| Full Form | Database File |
| File Type | Database Storage File |
| Developer | dBASE Inc. |
| MIME Type | application/dbf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Data import/export |
| Features | Table storage, Indexed access |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Structured data |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Data Management | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes |
| Application Data | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Data leakage |
| Best Practices | Access control, Encryption |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1983 |
| Latest Version | dBASE Plus 12 (2017) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .fpt, .cdx, .idx |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 dBASE |
Commercial | Windows |
 Microsoft Excel |
Commercial | Windows, Mac |
 LibreOffice |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: FoxPro Table
General Information
| Title | DBF File Extension |
| Extension | .dbf |
| Full Form | Database File |
| File Type | Database Table File |
| Developer | dBase, LLC |
| MIME Type | application/x-dbf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Organize, Manage |
| Features | Table structure, Multiple records |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Structured data |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Data Analysis | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes |
| Software Development | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Injection, Tampering |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Access controls |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1983 |
| Latest Version | dBase Classic (based on dBASE V) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .frx, .cdx, .fpt |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel |
Subscription-based | Windows, Mac |
| dBase |
Paid | Windows |
 Apache OpenOffice |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |