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LibreOffice Base and Firebird – a special relationship

(Translated from the Spanish original.)

Juan C. Sanz writes:

The Firebird database is distinguished by its unique features within the LibreOffice Base compatible database ecosystem. Why do I consider Firebird to be special? Because it is the only database engine that supports all possible forms of connection in Base and also allows the creation of both embedded, external and server databases directly from LibreOffice, without having to use specific tools.

LibreOffice offers the following Firebird connection options:

  • Embedded database
  • Standalone database file (no server required)
  • Database server via internal driver

Additionally, like other database servers, it is possible to establish a connection via JDBC or ODBC connectors. These connectors are available free of charge and as open source software on the official Firebird website.

Advantages of multiple connection options. Firebird offers several ways of connection that represent important advantages:

  1. Embedded database: The embedded or internal database consists of a *.odb file containing all the database facilities (table view, query designer, forms, reports, macros) together with the data.

    This option is especially easy and accessible for users with little database experience. Simply enable the experimental features of LibreOffice to start using it. It is ideal for learning basic database concepts and the Base tool.

  2. External database file: For advanced users looking to work more rigorously, it is recommended to migrate from embedded databases to external files. This type of connection does not require additional installations; a new file can be created using the Connect to an existing database option, rather than the Create a new database option (the nomenclature can be confusing). This connection method offers greater security by storing the data in a separate FDB file from the Base ODB file. In addition, modifications are saved instantly, which reduces the risk of data loss in the event of computer crashes or failures. In the long term, external Firebird files can be connected to servers without modification, as long as the versions are compatible. Transformation between different versions of the FDB file can be done easily and smoothly.

  3. Firebird database server: In this case, we will have a Base file with the functionalities of forms, query designer, reports and macros and the data will be hosted in a Firebird database server. The server is a software that does not have to be installed in a special computer, it could even be installed in the same computer that we use to connect to it. This type of connection provides specific advantages:
    • Allows simultaneous access by multiple users
    • Facilitates permissions management and data access control
    • Provides greater speed in the delivery of information

The connection to the server via the internal driver provides a fast and easy way to configure connection. In any case, ODBC and JDBC connections also work without problems, although, as they require an intermediate connector, they are usually slower.

For all these reasons, I consider that Base and Firebird are an ideal combination.

Announcement of LibreOffice 25.2.2 and LibreOffice 24.8.6

Berlin, 27 March 2025 – The Document Foundation announces the availability of LibreOffice 25.2.2, the second minor release of the recently announced LibreOffice 25.2 family [1], and LibreOffice 24.8.6, the sixth minor release of the LibreOffice 24.8 family [2], for Windows (Intel, AMD and ARM), macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Linux. LibreOffice is the best office suite for users who want to retain control over their individual software and documents, thereby protecting their privacy and digital life from the commercial interference and the lock-in strategies of Big Tech. All LibreOffice releases can be downloaded from www.libreoffice.org/download/.

What makes LibreOffice unique is the LibreOffice Technology Platform, the only one on the market that allows the consistent development of desktop, mobile and cloud versions – including those provided by companies in the ecosystem – capable of producing identical and fully interoperable documents based on the two available ISO standards: the open ODF or Open Document Format (ODT, ODS and ODP) and the proprietary Microsoft OOXML (DOCX, XLSX and PPTX). The latter hides a huge number of artificial (and unnecessary) lock-in complexities that create problems for users convinced they are using a standard format. Products based on LibreOffice Technology are available for all major desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS), mobile platforms (Android and iOS) and the cloud.

For enterprise-class deployments, TDF strongly recommends the LibreOffice Enterprise family of applications from ecosystem partners – for desktop, mobile and cloud – with a wide range of dedicated value-added features and other benefits such as SLAs and backports of security patches for several years: www.libreoffice.org/download/libreoffice-in-business/.

English manuals for LibreOffice 25.2 and LibreOffice 24.8.6 can be downloaded from books.libreoffice.org/en/. End users can get first-level technical support from volunteers on the user mailing lists and the Ask LibreOffice website: ask.libreoffice.org.

Download LibreOffice

Both LibreOffice 25.2.2 and LibreOffice 24.8.6 are immediately available from www.libreoffice.org/download/. LibreOffice 25.2.2 is targeted at power and tech-savvy users, while LibreOffice 24.8.6 is targeted to users who don’t need the latest features and prefer a version that has undergone more testing and bug and regression fixes.

LibreOffice is the only office suite designed to meet the actual needs of the user – not just their eyes. It offers a range of interface options to suit different user habits, from traditional to modern, and makes the most of different screen sizes, optimising the space available to put the maximum number of features just a click or two away. It is also the only software for creating documents (that may contain personal or confidential information) that respects the user’s privacy, ensuring that the user can decide if and with whom to share the content they create, thanks to the standard and open format that is not used as a lock-in tool, forcing periodic software updates. All this with a feature set that is comparable to the leading software on the market and far superior to that of any competitor.

LibreOffice users, free software advocates and community members can support The Document Foundation and the LibreOffice project with a donation at www.libreoffice.org/donate.

[1] Fixes in RC1: https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Releases/25.2.2/RC1. Fixes in RC2: https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Releases/25.2.2/RC2.

[2] Fixes in RC1: https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Releases/24.8.6/RC1. Fixes in RC2: https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Releases/24.8.6/RC2.

LibreOffice Podcast, Episode #2 – Design and UX in Free and Open Source Software

Heiko Tietze from LibreOffice’s Design community tells us about UI and UX improvements in the suite, how decisions are made, and more. (Also available on PeerTube).

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Updates on Schleswig-Holstein moving to LibreOffice

German state moving 30,000 PCs to LibreOffice

Nearly a year ago, we posted about the German state of Schleswig-Holstein’s plan to move 30,000 PCs from Microsoft Office/365 to LibreOffice.

Now, Stephane Fermigier from EuroStack – which promotes European technological sovereignty and open source – has posted an update, citing an article in the German c’t Magazin. It discusses various reasons for the migration to LibreOffice and Linux, including:

  • Digital Sovereignty – Schleswig-Holstein is actively reducing its dependence on a single, non-European tech giant
  • Public Money, Public Code – Improvements made to open source software, like accessibility enhancements to LibreOffice, are available to the public
  • Public Procurement as a Lever – Schleswig-Holstein is not only improving its own IT infrastructure but also sending a strong signal to the market, potentially encouraging other public administrations to follow suit

In Fermigier’s post he also points to a recent talk from the LibreOffice Conference 2024 in Luxembourg (see below – video also available on PeerTube). Meanwhile, Dirk Schrödter, Head of the State Chancellery of Schleswig-Holstein, posted some thoughts on LinkedIn, including:

This is not just about technological independence but also about economic aspects. At present, our administrations and businesses are trapped in a system characterized by monopolistic structures and high licensing fees. […] It is a core responsibility of our state to be able to influence the operational processes of its IT systems at all times and to ensure the data security of its citizens and businesses. […] The necessary conclusion can only be: Open Source software must become the standard in our digitalized administration.

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LibreOffice 25.2 video – in 18 languages! 🌎

LibreOffice 25.2 is our new major stable release, with many new features. This video which shows a few of them (also available on PeerTube) is in English but has subtitle translations in 17 languages, thanks to our awesome localisation communities! (You can see their work on this wiki page.)

Join them and help to make LibreOffice, its documentation and marketing materials available in more languages.

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LibreOffice is in the Google Summer of Code 2025!

GSoC logo

Everyone loves having shiny new features in LibreOffice. But how do we get them? Many are developed by volunteers and people in the ecosystem.

But another great source of new features is the Google Summer of Code (GSoC), a global, online program focused on bringing new contributors into open source software development. GSoC Contributors work with open source organisations on a 12+ week programming project under the guidance of mentors.

And we’re happy to announce that for 2025’s GSoC, LibreOffice is once again taking part!

Find out more here

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