- PDB (Palm OS)
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PDB is a container format for record databases in Palm OS, Garnet OS and Access Linux Platform. Its structure is similar to PRC resource databases[1]. The PalmDOC eBook format is a special version of the PDB format[2].
Contents
Structure of PDB file
A PDB file contains a PDB header, PDB record headers and records[3][4].
PDB Header PDB Record Header PDB Records PDB Header
The PDB header is located at the beginning of the file and contains meta-information on the file [3]:
Offset Name Type Size 0x00 name char 32 Bytes 0x20 file attributes integer 2 Bytes 0x22 version integer 2 Bytes 0x24 creation time Macintosh time 4 Bytes 0x28 modification time Macintosh time 4 Bytes 0x2c backup time Macintosh time 4 Bytes 0x30 modification number integer 4 Bytes 0x34 app_info integer 4 Bytes 0x38 sort_info integer 4 Bytes 0x3c type integer 4 Bytes 0x40 creator integer 4 Bytes 0x44 unique_id_seed integer 4 Bytes 0x48 next_record_list integer 4 Bytes 0x4c num_records integer 2 Bytes PDB Record Header
For every record, there is an eight byte record header, containing[3]:
name type size notes offset integer 4 bytes Byte number in the PDB file (counting from zero), where the record is located attributes byte 1 byte Attributes of the record (delete/dirty/busy/secret/category) UniqueID integer 3 bytes Always 0 PDB Records
Now the records themselves follow. The usual order is AppInfoArea, SortInfoArea and records, sequentially[4].
See also
- PRC format
References
- ^ N. Rhodes, J. McKeehan. Palm OS Programming, Second Edition, O'Reilly, 2001, ISBN 1-56592-856-3
- ^ MobileRead Wiki: Specification of the PalmDOC format
- ^ a b c Paul J. Lucas (1998) PDB (Pilot Database) file format. Accessed on 20090308
- ^ a b Microfirst Software. The Pilot Record Database Format Accessed on 20090308
Categories:- Computer file formats
- Palm OS
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