Keystroke can import data from comma delimited (formatted) text files.
This file format is also commonly referred to as a Comma Separated Value file format and the file name frequently has the file extension CSV (i.e., ITEMS.CSV).
In a comma delimited file, each line represents a separate record. Within a line, each value (or field) is separated by a comma. An example of a record from a file to be imported for Keystroke Inventory database items might look like this:
4151236010,1.39,4.99
4151236010 identifies the item's Product Code, 1.39 represents the item's Average Cost and 4.99 represents the item's Base Price.
The commas tell Keystroke where one field ends and the next field begins. The end of the line tells Keystroke where the record ends.
This comma delimited file format works well ONLY FOR files containing records that do NOT CONTAIN a comma within any field.
Keystroke can export and import data from quote/comma delimited text files.
If the file record example above contained the Description (which includes the comma character within it) rather than the Product Code (such as in this example: Handsoap, Lemon Scented,1.39,4.99), then each
of the fields in the record MUST BE contained between quote characters to tell Keystroke where one field ends and the next field begins.
An example of a record from a quote/comma delimited file might look like this:
"Handsoap, Lemon Scented,","1.39","4.99"
Everything inside each pair of quotes is data to be imported as a single field.
Note: Keystroke can also export and import data from tab delimited text files.