What is an ABS file?
A file with .abs extension is a database generated and used by Absolute database which is a database engine for the Delphi software development IDE. It replaced the Borland Database Engine (DBE) and is more compact, high-speed, robust and easy-to-use. ABS database compiles as part of the application EXE file, making your application faster and smaller. Data is stored in an ABS file in a structured, relational format.
ABS File Format - More Information
ABS files are strored as part of the application’s EXE file which is usually stored as a binary file. Binary files can not be opened in any text editor and provide fast access to the contents of the database file.
Key Features of ABS File Format
ABS files are pretty simple and embed in the application’s executable. It has the following features:
- No BDE; no DLLs
- Single-file database
- SQL'92 (DDL & DML) support
- Compatible with standard and third-party database controls
- Single-user and multi-user mode (file-server)
- Works great on all versions of Windows - from 98 to the latest, doesn’t require any updates or service packs
- Ultra-fast in-memory tables
- Unmatched ease-of-use
- Strong encryption
- BLOB compression
- Free for personal use
- Full source code available
- Royalty-free distribution