.FOB File Extension

Dynamics NAV Object Container File

Developer	Microsoft
Popularity	Average rating 3.5 / 5. Vote count: 6
Category	Data Files
Format	.FOB
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an FOB file?

In the world of business and enterprise resource planning (ERP), data management plays a crucial role. One file extension that has gained significance in this context is the .FOB file extension.

Commonly known as the Dynamics NAV Object Container File, the .FOB file is an essential component in Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a widely-used ERP system.

In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the .FOB file extension, exploring its origin, history, technical specifications, advantages, disadvantages, and how to convert it.

More Information.

The history of the .FOB file extension can be traced back to the early versions of Navision, before it was acquired by Microsoft in 2002.

These files were used for importing and exporting objects within the Navision application. Objects in the context of Dynamics NAV refer to various elements like tables, forms, reports, codeunits, and pages that make up the core of the ERP system.

The primary purpose of the .FOB file extension is to facilitate the migration of these objects between different Dynamics NAV databases and versions.

This capability allows businesses to transfer customizations, configurations, and developments made in one environment to another seamlessly.

Origin Of This File.

The .FOB file extension is closely associated with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, previously known as Navision.

Dynamics NAV is an ERP solution that helps businesses manage various aspects of their operations, including finance, manufacturing, supply chain, and more.

To efficiently handle different components of this software, Microsoft introduced the .FOB file extension as a means to store and transport objects within the Dynamics NAV environment.

File Structure Technical Specification.

The .FOB file’s structure and technical specifications are integral to its functionality in Dynamics NAV. These files are essentially binary files that contain a collection of objects in a serialized format. The structure of a .FOB file typically includes:

Header Information: This section contains metadata about the .FOB file, such as its version and the number of objects it contains.
Object Data: The core of the file consists of serialized object data. Each object is represented with its properties, methods, and dependencies, making it a self-contained unit.
Code: Some .FOB files may contain object code, which is essential for customizations, reports, or codeunits.
Checksum: To ensure data integrity, a checksum is often included at the end of the file.

How to Convert the File?

Converting a .FOB (Dynamics NAV Object Container File) to a different format or for use in other systems is a common task in Dynamics NAV or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Here’s a simplified guide to do it:

Export the .FOB File:

Open the Dynamics NAV development environment.
Select the object(s) you want to export.
Right-click and choose “Export” or “Save as Text File.”
Save the object(s) as a .FOB file on your computer.

Use a Conversion Tool:

Depending on your needs, you can use conversion tools like Fob2Xml or Fob2Txt to change the .FOB file into a different format (e.g., XML or plain text). These tools usually have straightforward command-line instructions.

Perform the Conversion:

Open a command prompt or terminal.
Navigate to the tool’s directory.
Execute the conversion command (e.g., fob2xml.exe input.fob output.xml).

Verify the Conversion:

Check the converted data for accuracy and completeness. Make any necessary adjustments or transformations.

Import into the Target System:

Use the target system’s import functionality to bring in the converted data. Refer to the system’s documentation for specific instructions.

Test and Validate:

Thoroughly test the data in the new system to ensure it functions correctly and maintains object relationships.

Backup and Security:

Throughout the process, maintain data backups and follow security protocols to protect sensitive information.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Portability: .FOB files offer excellent portability, allowing businesses to move objects between different Dynamics NAV installations, databases, or even versions with ease.
Customization: They enable customization of the ERP system, permitting businesses to tailor Dynamics NAV to their specific needs.
Version Compatibility: .FOB files are designed to be backward compatible, meaning objects from older versions can be imported into newer versions of Dynamics NAV.
Data Security: These files can be password-protected, enhancing data security when transferring sensitive objects.

Disadvantages:

Binary Format: The binary format of .FOB files makes them challenging to read and edit directly, necessitating the use of specific software tools.
Limited to Dynamics NAV: .FOB files are specific to Dynamics NAV and cannot be used with other ERP systems, limiting interoperability.
Complexity: Handling .FOB files may require some expertise, especially when dealing with complex customizations and dependencies between objects.

How to Open FOB?

Open In Windows

File: Double-click the file or right-click and choose “Open” or “Open with” to select the appropriate program.
Folder: Double-click the folder to open it in Windows Explorer or File Explorer.
Program: Click the Start button, type the program name, and press Enter to open it.

Open In Linux

File: Use a file manager like Nautilus (GNOME), Dolphin (KDE), or the command line to navigate to the file and open it with the appropriate application.
Folder: Open a terminal and use the cd command to navigate to the folder. To open it in the default file manager, use xdg-open
Program: Use the terminal to run the program by typing its name and pressing Enter.

Open In MAC

File: Double-click the file, and it will open with the associated application.
Folder: Double-click the folder to open it in Finder.
Program: Click the program icon in the Applications folder or the Dock to open it.

Open In Android

File: Open the Files app or a file manager, navigate to the file, and tap it to open with the associated app.
Folder: Use the Files app or a file manager to browse folders and tap to open.
App: Tap the app’s icon on the home screen or in the app drawer to open it.

Open In IOS

File: Tap on the file from within an app or use the Files app to browse and open files.
Folder: iOS doesn’t have a traditional file system, but you can access files within apps or cloud storage services.
App: Tap on the app’s icon on the home screen to open it.