A system and method for transforming databases to maintain compatibility with an associated software application. An initial database associated with an application is formatted using a description language that is transformable by a stylesheet language. After modification of the structure or values of the initial database, a translator using a stylesheet language is applied to the database to transform the database so that it retains compatibility with a revised or updated application. When the application itself is modified, the translator can be used to maintain compatibility between existing databases and the revised application. In one embodiment, the application can be used to program an electronic device.