FAQ (Base)

Do I need Java to use Base?

Not strictly. Base is an application which enables you to access the database of your choice - this can be local databases like flat files, dBase files, server databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MS SQL Server, plus every database which you have an ODBC , JDBC, or ADO driver for.

However, by default OpenOffice.org creates all-in-one database files, using the HSQLDB database engine, which in fact is a Java database. So, if you have a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed, OpenOffice.org Base will create an embedded HSQLDB database when you choose "Create a new database" in the "New Database" wizard (File|New|Database).

If you do not have a JRE, then the following functionality will not be available

• You will not be able to create, or open existing, all-in-one database files which facilitate the HSQLDB engine.
• You will not be able to run the table, query, form, and report wizard.
• You will not be able to connect to your database if you only have a JDBC connector.

Everything else continues to work. In particular, you can still work with databases other than HSQLDB.

Can I use Microsoft Access databases (.mdb) in Base?

On Windows: yes. You cannot open them directly via File|Open, but you can access the data therein. For this, you need the Microsoft Data Access Components, which are available from Microsoft for free. (In Windows XP, they're already included, so you need them for older Windows versions only.)

Then, go to File|New|Database, choose "Connect to an existing datbase", and select the "Microsoft Access" database type from the list. On the next page, you then select the .mdb file you want to access - that's it!

Which Database Type do I use?

• F: I'm asked which database type I use - how do I know?
• A: If you don't know, it's probably HSQLDB. To be sure, open the database document (.odb) in OpenOffice.org, and look into the status bar at the bottom of the main window. It should read something like "HSQLDB engine", "MySQL (ODBC)" ...

How do I create a form with a sub form?

Look here for an excellent document (OpenOffice.org Text Document, 850K) giving you a step-by-step description.