The Advantage Database Server supports three different table formats: Clipper and FoxPro DBF formats (compatible with dBASE III + format), and a proprietary ADT format. The two DBF formats are useful for developers who want to maintain backward compatibility with legacy applications, particularly those still running in DOS. In this book, the Advantage-supported formats are referred to collectively as Advantage tables.

The ADT format, on the other hand, is the preferred Advantage format for Advantage-based applications that no longer need to maintain backward compatibility. This is because the ADT format provides superior features, flexibility, and performance.

While there are still quite a few legacy Clipper and FoxPro applications out there that can benefit from the stability and performance offered by Advantage, most developers using ADS should use the ADT format if at all possible.