EXPORT DIF

version 3

EXPORT DIF ({table; }document)

The EXPORT DIF command writes data from the records of the current selection of table in the current process. The data is written to document, a Windows or Macintosh DIF document on the disk.

The export operation is performed through the current output form. The export operation writes fields and variables based on the entry order of the output form. For this reason, you should use an output form that contains only the fields or enterable objects that you wish to export. Do not place buttons or other extraneous objects on the export form. Subform objects are ignored.

An On Load event is sent to the form method for each record that is exported. Use this event to set the variables you may use in the export form.

The document parameter can name a new or existing document. If document is given the same name as an existing document, the existing document is overwritten. The document can include a path that contains volume and folder names. If you pass an empty string, the standard Save File dialog box is displayed. If the user cancels this dialog, the export operation is canceled, and the OK system variable is set to 0.

A progress thermometer is displayed during export. The user can cancel the operation by clicking a Stop button. If the export is successfully completed, the OK system variable is set to 1. If the operation is canceled or an error occurs, the OK system variable is set to 0. The thermometer can be hidden with the MESSAGES OFF command.

The export operation is made using the default ASCII map for the platform on which it is executed, unless you change the ASCII map (using the command USE ASCII MAP) prior to the export. An ASCII map can be used to convert the data for use on platforms that have a different ASCII table.

The following example exports data to a DIF document. The method first sets the output form so that the data will be exported through the correct form, then performs the export:

   OUTPUT FORM([People];"Export")
   EXPORT DIF([People];"NewPeople") ` Export to the "NewPeople" document

EXPORT SYLK, EXPORT TEXT, IMPORT DIF, USE ASCII MAP.

OK is set to 1 if the export is successfully completed; otherwise, it is set to 0.