GEDCOM

[Lisa La Loba]

I have tried to search for more information about these but I can't find the answer I am looking for.  Does having a GEDCOM mean that users on any website and family tree software are linked together.  I.e will it show me connections with others in my line and thier contact details?

[KGarrad]

A GEDCOM file is plain text containing genealogical information about individuals, and meta data linking these records together. Most genealogy software supports importing from and/or exporting to GEDCOM format.

You must import the GEDCOM file into some sort of software in order to see the data.

There are no tags with contact details, as far as I can see?

An example:
0 HEAD
1 SOUR Reunion
2 VERS V8.0
2 CORP Leister Productions
1 DEST Reunion
1 DATE 11 FEB 2006
1 FILE test
1 GEDC
2 VERS 5.5
1 CHAR MACINTOSH
0 @I1@ INDI
1 NAME Bob /Cox/
1 SEX M
1 FAMS @F1@
1 CHAN
2 DATE 11 FEB 2006
0 @I2@ INDI
1 NAME Joann /Para/
1 SEX F
1 FAMS @F1@
1 CHAN
2 DATE 11 FEB 2006
0 @I3@ INDI
1 NAME Bobby Jo /Cox/
1 SEX M
1 FAMC @F1@
1 CHAN
2 DATE 11 FEB 2006
0 @F1@ FAM
1 HUSB @I1@
1 WIFE @I2@
1 MARR
1 CHIL @I3@
0 TRLR

[Berlin-Bob]

There are some topics in the RootsChat Lexicon about GEDCOMs

http://surname.rootschat.com/lexicon/reflib-lexicon.php?letter=G

As KGarrad says, it is a file format, mainly used for exchanging data between researchers, or for transferring the data from one FH program to another. Very useful when you are trying out test versions of different programs to find the one that appeals to you most.

Bob