What is the difference between the DRF single and multi file datafile formats? Document Number: 10155 Due to limitations in hardware and software that many had to work with in the early days of using computers to work with past performance data, a format was developed that gave a user all of the data available, but not in a single file, in 3 files. When you unzip the DRF multi file format, you end up with three files. Together they contain the same information that you would get with the single file format, only they are split up into "bite-size chunks". This was to overcome the limitations of many early database/programming packages that had a limit to the number of fields that each record could contain. In the current age of technology, there is less of a need for this format, because the amount of data in a card of races is now considered to be relatively small, nevertheless, there are still some current programs (like excell) that will import the comma delimited formats, but have some limitations on the dimensions of the data. You will probably better understand the differences if you read the document about datafile structures by clicking below. Recommended Link:  Datafile Structure Introduction Survey Please assist us in improving how we help you! Was this document easy enough to understand? Yes, it was easy. Not too difficult. No, it was too difficult. Did this document help you? Yes. It helped a little. No, not at all. Help Home    Racing Reports & Data    Pedigree Services    Software    Are You New?    Your BRISnet Account    Specials & Contests    BRISnet Accessibility    Feedback    General Information Choose a Help Topic Above, or  Search For Help:    [ Sign-up ] [ Products & Prices ] [ Bookstore ] [ Track Info ] [ Library ] [ Tech Support ] [ F.A.Q. ] [ Member Services ] [ Contact Us ]