I want to convert html files and txt files which i have in a database to pdb format and have the documents viewed on my Palm pilot. I am using code warrior but not the greatest c programmer.
I am not sure where to start? Can i possibly get some pointers on how this can be done(procedure maybe..)?
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Thanks for commenting on my questiion.
Okay some of my files are definitely bigger than 4k. But Anyway i tried synching a text file (3k) to my palm. I am using the Palm desktop to transfer the file to the device. The txt files in my folder are definitely hidden when i try to add tese files with on Palm desktop.
Do i have to change the txt file extension before synching the file? and what would the extension be?
ok, now this is *only theory*, i don't have any experience with this:
there's a file format called "DOC", which allows text files that exceed the 4k size limit (to transfer a DOC file between palm and PC, it's a regular PDB file). apparently, there are editors for this format both on PCs and on palm, and TXT files can be converted into DOC files.
these are just 2 sites i found by searching for "palm doc" with google:
- a list of readers (for the palm) is here: http://www.the-gadgeteer.c
- here's an on-line converter from TXT to DOC: http://www.iconv.com/maked
--bluelizard
Thanks again bluelizard :)
So these are my thoughts about the project i am undertaking, tell me if i am on the right track
SO the files on the database are accessed via webserver. The UI for the database would allow users who are logged in to select files the want to download to their palms ( by clickin on a check box).
With a click of a button, i want the selected files to be converted to a palm readable format. And then by a hotsych, have the files downloaded to from this 'folder'.
It might be easier(again in my mind) to have the the files saved to the desktop before converting but i am hoping it can be done in the back end so that its scalable .i want it such that, many people downloading files to their palms simultaneously.
This is possible using the available free converters and file viewers ? But i need pointers how to go about it and what i should be looking out for.
I was thinking txt and html formats first because they are basic files which would be used. and your comments have been helpful. i definitely need a better grasp on the pdb format
-Shugha
i guess you can do it that way, but i wonder if you really want your webserver to do the conversion on the fly... unless you have thounsands of files, it would probably be better to convert them beforehand and store them in palm-readable format. for such a conversion, you can use any tool you can find.
if you really want to do the conversion on the fly, the converters you need depend on the web server system, i.e., you might need a DOS-command-line converter or a PERL converter or whatever your webserver is capable of running.
generally: yes, if you manage to convert the files into either a text format (pure text, DOC format etc.) or the HTML format, and if you put readers for those formats on your website, too (for users to download and install *once*), then the users should be able to read the documents on their palms.
--bluelizard
Great to know that this is possible. and i am woking has thousands of files
How does a DOS command line or Perl converter work? We are using an IIS webserver.
Again,could help me with my breakdown of my project.
I choose some free file converter to change my files( .doc, txt, html and hopefully .ppt files) to DOC format
After choosing files and click a button for conversion,
an ASP invokes the converter and saves it on the users desktop (or is it possible to do a hotsynch with files that are on a server? ...i ask this since all i have known is synching files on the desktop the palm)
Anyway,
On the palm side i would have a DOC file reader that would be able to view the file
Now the real problem:
The only experience i have had with ASP is knowing what the acronymn stands for.I want the ASP start up the converter with the file and save the converted file in some particular folder. Could breakdown what my task would be(could you explain it to me like i am a clueless)?
thanks for all the useful pointers you've given me thus far.
-Shugha
>> The only experience i have had with ASP is knowing what the acronymn stands for.
i'm afraid this is pretty much the same for me, too... i guess now that you've come so far that you've got all the converters and reader programs, you'd probably have to raise a question in the web development section (or a subsection thereof): http://www.experts-exchang
--bluelizard
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by: bluelizardPosted on 2004-07-06 at 01:48:39ID: 11478851
a PDB file is very general; converting a file into that type doesn't necessarily mean that you can view it on the palm, as every palm application has its own way of storing information in a PDB.
but actually, TXT files you don't need to convert (at least if they're not exceeding 4k). if you synch them to the palm, they'll be added as memo entries.
for HTML files there's already a thread going on: http://www.experts-exchang
--bluelizard