IMPORT DIF

version 3

IMPORT DIF ({table; }document)

The IMPORT DIF command reads data from document, a Windows or Macintosh DIF document, into the table table by creating new records for that table.

The import operation is performed through the current input form. The import operation reads fields and variables based on the layering of objects in the input form. For this reason, you should be very careful about the front-to-back order of text objects (fields and variables) in the form. The first object into which data will be imported should be in the back of the form, and so on. If the number of fields or variables in the form does not match the number of fields being imported, the extra ones are ignored. An input form used for importing cannot contain any buttons. Subform objects are ignored.

Note: One way to ensure that the data is imported into the correct objects is to select the object into which the first field should be imported and move it to the front. Continue to move the fields and variables to the front, in order, making sure that you have one field or variable for each field being imported.

An On Validate event is sent to the form method for each record that is imported. Use this event to copy data from variables to fields, if you use variables in the import form.

The document parameter can include a path that contains volume and folder names. If you pass an empty string, the standard Open File dialog box is displayed. If the user cancels this dialog, the import operation is canceled, and the OK system variable is set to 0.

A progress thermometer is displayed during import. The user can cancel the operation by clicking a Stop button. Records that have already been imported will not be removed if the user presses the Stop button. If the import is successfully completed, the OK system variable is set to 1. If an error occurs or the operation was interrupted, the OK variable is set to 0. The thermometer can be hidden with the MESSAGES OFF command.

The import 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 import. An ASCII map can be used to convert the data coming from platforms that have a different ASCII table.

The following example imports data from a DIF document. The method first sets the input form so that the data will be imported through the correct form, then performs the import:

   INPUT FORM([People]; "Import")
   IMPORT DIF([People];"NewPeople") ` Import from "NewPeople" document

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

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