dBase files, and several “clones” of this format, have been used for decades, and this format is no stranger to developers who use environments like Delphi and Lazarus Pascal.
Sometimes however, we run into the issue that we cannot access our data and in this article, sponsored by Devart, show how you may recover your data with one of their great tools: UniDAC.
On that note: I have used their MyDAC (database access for MySQL) in the past to develop a full fledged LIMS and can only say that Devart delivers one of the best and most reliable database access components you can find.
Keep in mind that these components are commercial products.
However, almost all of them have full-featured Trial versions and free Express versions with limited functionality available for commercial development. I highly recommend them. Also note that quite a few Devart products are suitable for application development for other platforms, for example macOS.