Convert FDB to CSV

Converting an FDB file (Firebird database) to a CSV (Comma-separated value) file is a common requirement when you need to analyze or share data in a more accessible format. Several tools and methods are available that can facilitate this conversion effectively.

One of the most straightforward tools is Firebird's own isql utility. This command-line tool allows you to execute SQL queries against a Firebird database. To export data from an FDB file to a CSV file, you can use the isql utility to run a SELECT query and redirect the output to a CSV file. Here’s a basic example of how this can be done:

isql -user [username] -password [password] -database [database name] OUTPUT data.csv;
SELECT * FROM table_name;

This method gives you control over the SQL query, allowing you to specify which data to export and in what format.

Another powerful and user-friendly tool is IBExpert. IBExpert is a comprehensive GUI tool for Firebird and InterBase databases that supports various database operations, including data export.
To export data using IBExpert, follow these steps:

1. Open the FDB file in IBExpert.
2. Navigate to the table you want to export.
3. Right-click on the table and select "Export Data."
4. Choose "CSV" as the export format and configure the export options as needed.
5. Execute the export process, and IBExpert will create a CSV file with the table data.

Another option is to use RazorSQL. RazorSQL is a versatile SQL query tool, database browser, and editor that supports Firebird, among many other databases. It includes features for exporting data to various formats, including CSV. Here’s a brief overview of how to use RazorSQL for exporting data:

1. Connect to your Firebird database using RazorSQL.
2. Run a SELECT query on the table or data you wish to export.
3. Once the data is retrieved, use the export functionality to save the results as a CSV file.

These tools ensure that the data is accurately converted from an FDB file to a CSV file, maintaining the integrity and structure of the original data. If direct conversion is not straightforward, it's typically due to the need to manage complex database relationships and schema definitions, which can be simplified by exporting data one table at a time and reconstructing relationships in the CSV format.