.FRO File Extension

dBASE IV Compiled Report (Legacy)

Developer	dBASE
Popularity	Average rating 3 / 5. Vote count: 4
Category	Data Files
Format	.FRO
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an FRO file?

Files with the .FRO file extension are associated with dBASE IV, a popular database management system used in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These files contain compiled reports created using the dBASE IV software.

dBASE IV was widely used in its heyday for database management and report generation, and the .FRO files were an essential part of this process.

More Information.

The primary purpose of dBASE IV was to provide users with a tool for managing, querying, and reporting on their data.

The software allowed users to create and manipulate databases, design forms for data input, and generate reports based on the stored data.

Reports were a crucial aspect of the software, as they enabled users to present data in a structured and organized manner.

To create these reports, dBASE IV users would design them using the software’s report designer interface. Once the report design was complete, users could compile it into a .FRO file.

This compiled report file contained all the necessary instructions and data needed to generate the report quickly, without the need for recompilation each time it was run.

Origin Of This File.

The origin of .FRO files can be traced back to the dBASE IV software, which was developed by Ashton-Tate Corporation in the early 1980s.

dBASE IV was designed to be a powerful and flexible database management system primarily for DOS-based personal computers. It quickly gained popularity and became one of the leading database software solutions of its time.

File Structure Technical Specification.

.FRO files had a specific structure and contained information about the report layout, formatting, data sources, and other report-related details. The technical specifications of .FRO files included:

Report Layout: .FRO files contained information about the layout of the report, including the placement of fields, text, and other elements on each page. This allowed the report to be generated consistently each time it was run.
Data Sources: .FRO files included references to the data sources used in the report. These references specified which database tables or queries the report would retrieve data from when generated.
Formatting Information: .FRO files stored formatting information for the report, such as font styles, colors, and alignment settings. This ensured that the report’s appearance remained consistent.
Calculations: Users could include calculations and formulas in their reports, and these were also stored in .FRO files. This allowed for the calculation of summary statistics or other derived values.
Page Layout: .FRO files contained information about the page layout, including page size, margins, and orientation (portrait or landscape).
Report Options: Users could specify various options for report generation, such as sorting and grouping criteria, filtering conditions, and aggregate functions. These settings were saved in .FRO files.
Metadata: .FRO files often contained metadata about the report, such as the report’s title, author, and creation date.

How to Convert the File?

Converting .FRO files to more modern formats or platforms can be quite a task. To get started, you’ll need to find a way to open these files within a legacy dBASE IV environment.

This can be done by running dBASE IV on an older computer or using an emulator like DOSBox on a modern one. Once you have access to dBASE IV, open the .FRO file you want to convert.

From there, you can export the data or report layout into formats that modern software can understand.

If you need the data, export it as a CSV file, which can be opened in programs like Excel. If it’s the report’s appearance you’re after, export it as a PDF.

In case these methods prove challenging or yield unsatisfactory results, consider using specialized conversion tools, though be cautious as their accuracy can vary.

In the worst-case scenario, you may have to recreate the reports manually in modern software. Remember always to make backups of your original .FRO files before attempting any conversions to ensure your data and designs remain safe throughout the process.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantage:

Efficiency: .FRO files allowed for quick report generation since all the report-related information was precompiled. Users could generate reports without waiting for the software to recompile the report design each time.
Consistency: Reports generated from .FRO files were consistent in appearance and content, as they followed the predefined layout and formatting instructions.
Security: .FRO files could be password-protected, providing a level of security to protect sensitive report data and designs.

Disadvantage:

Compatibility: As dBASE IV and .FRO files are legacy technologies, compatibility with modern systems and software can be challenging. Finding a suitable application to open .FRO files can be problematic.
Limited Features: Compared to modern reporting tools and software, dBASE IV had limited features and capabilities, making it less suitable for complex reporting needs.
Obsolete: With the advancement of technology, dBASE IV and .FRO files have become obsolete. It is challenging to find support or documentation for these legacy systems.

How to Open FRO?

Open In Windows

To open .FRO files on Windows, you can use a DOS emulator like DOSBox to run dBASE IV, which can then open and work with .FRO files.

Open In Linux

You can try using Wine, a compatibility layer for running Windows applications on Linux, to install and run dBASE IV. You can use DOS emulators like DOSBox to run dBASE IV in a Linux environment.

Open In MAC

Similar to Linux, you can try using Wine to run dBASE IV on macOS. Alternatively, you can use DOS emulators like DOSBox to run dBASE IV within a macOS environment.

Open In Android

Opening .FRO files directly on an Android device can be challenging because these files are designed for desktop systems.

You would need to find a DOS emulator or compatibility layer for Android and then attempt to run dBASE IV within that environment, which can be complex and may not always work smoothly.

Open In IOS

iOS devices like iPhones and iPads are not designed to run legacy desktop applications like dBASE IV directly.

Opening .FRO files on iOS may be extremely difficult, if not impossible, without using complex workarounds or specialized software that is not readily available.