Converting Old Databases

• The conversion program
• Example

gap4 is the current program in a rather long line of sequence assembly programs that have been distributed as part of the "Staden" Package. Each of these earlier programs used different types of file to store assembly data. These old files are incompatible with gap4, but the package contain a program (convert) to convert them to gap4 databases. It is possible to convert from:

• plain text file (created by convert)
• dap database
• bap database

to any of the following formats

• plain text file (created by convert)
• bap database
• gap4 database

The Conversion Program

The program takes no command line arguments and has a scrolling text style of interface. Users are prompted for the format, name and version of the database to convert. If the source is an xdap or xbap database, ensure that the name and version are in uppercase. If the source is a text file, the version is requested but ignored! Next users are prompted for the format, name and version of the database to create. Ensure that names and versions are in the appropriate case and that the files do already exist.

Then the program converts the database (which may take some time) and writes out a message to signify that the conversion has successfully completed.

Example

Here is a log of a typical conversion session. User input is shown in bold.

Covert Project Database
Version 1.3, 4th December 1995
Please enter database to convert:

Available types are:
0. Flat file - created with this program
1. xdap database
2. xbap database

Database type? 2
Database name? ZK643
Database version? 0

Please enter database to create:

Available types are:
0. Flat file - created with this program
1. xbap database
2. xgap database

Database type? 2
Database name? ZK643
Database version? 1

Conversion completed