When to use File I/O instead of Export
- Automation - a standard CSV file can be easily written in code, allowing you to automate export and merge processes.
- Calculated/Formatted Data - Export can only export data that is stored in the database, and only in its raw format. By using File I/O, you can "export" customer-formatted data, hard coded values and calculated information that does not appear in the records themselves.
- Tag-based or Customer Formats - Export cannot produce tag-based formats like HTML, XML, EDI, IIF (QuickBooks). It also cannot produce special custom formats designed for a specific use. File I/O, however, can write your data in any format you can define.