[Shapelib] Character field longer than 255

[Jérôme Cuinet]

Hello,

Contrary to Xbase (.dbf) File Format Description 
(http://www.clicketyclick.dk/databases/xbase/format/), with Shapefile 
library we can add to a .dbf file a character field with a length longer 
than 255 character. Is it an extension to dbf file format or an unique 
shapelib specification ?

I want to use this function, but I'm worried about compatibility with other 
shapefile drivers. Should I use these only for my program, or I could use 
these shapefiles with another programs ?

Thanks



Jérôme Cuinet