123 File Format
Overview
The .123 file is a relic from the early days of spreadsheet software, created by IBM’s Lotus SmartSuite in the late 1980s. This format was once ubiquitous for organizing data into rows and columns, much like today’s Excel files, but it fell out of favor as Microsoft Excel took over in the early 1990s. Despite its discontinuation in 2013, .123 files still hold historical significance and can be found in legacy systems or archives. Understanding how to work with these files is crucial for anyone dealing with older data sets.
Key Features
- Binary Format: Unlike modern text-based formats, the .123 file format is binary, making it less readable without specialized software.
- Structured Data Storage: Organized into rows and columns, similar to contemporary spreadsheet applications like Excel.
- Rich Functionality: Supports various data types including integers, floating-point numbers, labels, and formulas.
- Extensive Record Types: Contains a wide range of record types for different functionalities such as named ranges, print headers, and protection settings.
- Historical Relevance: While outdated, it remains important for accessing legacy data.
Technical Specifications
Format Structure
The .123 file format is binary. Each file consists of an unbroken sequence of variable-length records, each with a header that defines its type and length.
Core Components
Each record in a .123 file has a 4-byte header followed by the body:
| Byte Number | Byte Description |
|---|---|
| 0,1 | Record type code (e.g., BOF for beginning of file) |
| 2,3 | Length of the record’s body in bytes |
Standards & Compatibility
The .123 format is not widely supported by modern applications. However, it adheres to its own internal standards and has undergone several version updates with different extensions like .wks, .wk1, .wk2, etc.
History & Evolution
Lotus 1-2-3 was introduced in the late 1980s as a revolutionary spreadsheet application for IBM PCs. It quickly became popular due to its speed and functionality but faced competition from Microsoft Excel starting in the early 1990s. Lotus officially discontinued support for 1-2-3 in 2013, marking the end of an era.
Working with 123 Files
Opening 123 Files
To open .123 files, you can use software like Lotus 1-2-3 Viewer or LibreOffice, which supports a wide range of legacy file formats. Ensure your operating system is compatible and that the software has been updated to handle these older file types.
Converting 123 Files
Common conversion scenarios involve converting .123 files to more modern formats like CSV, XLSX, or ODS. This can be done using tools such as LibreOffice or Gnumeric, which offer robust import and export capabilities for legacy spreadsheet formats.
Creating 123 Files
Creating new .123 files is not recommended due to the format’s obsolescence. However, if you need to work with existing data in this format, consider using software like LibreOffice Calc or Gnumeric for compatibility reasons.
Common Use Cases
- Legacy Data Access: Opening and analyzing old financial records stored in .123 format.
- Historical Research: Using historical datasets that were originally created in Lotus 1-2-3.
- Software Testing: Testing the import/export capabilities of modern spreadsheet software with legacy formats.
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages:
- Rich Functionality: Supports a wide range of data types and functionalities.
- Historical Significance: Useful for accessing old datasets in historical research or legal contexts.
Limitations:
- Limited Compatibility: Not supported by most modern applications, requiring specialized software to open.
- Binary Format Complexity: Difficult to read without dedicated tools due to its binary nature.
Developer Resources
Programming with 123 files is supported through various APIs and libraries. Code examples and implementation guides will be added soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I convert a .123 file to Excel? A: Use software like LibreOffice or Gnumeric, which can import .123 files and export them as XLSX.
Q: Are there any free tools available for opening 123 files? A: Yes, LibreOffice is a popular choice that supports opening and viewing .123 files without cost.
Q: Why was Lotus 1-2-3 discontinued? A: Competition from Microsoft Excel led to the decline of Lotus 1-2-3, which eventually resulted in its discontinuation by IBM in 2013.
