Bulk Insert Q

Question

Bulk Insert Q

James Tech

Right there with Babe

Points: 762
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January 20, 2010 at 6:05 am

#218392

Hi Guys,
Just wondering if Bulk Insert has the capability to specify columns on which the data are to be inserted in an import file? Any thoughts?
Thanks!

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Adi Cohn-120898 SSC-Dedicated Points: 33944 More actions · Answer 1

If I understood your question correctly, you can use a format file in order to insert data from a file that has different number of values then the table’s columns or has the data in a different order then the table’s columns. If this is what you are looking for, then you can read about format file in BOL (Books On Line the help that is installed with the client tools).

Adi

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Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004432 More actions · Answer 2

You can also use a pass through view with the columns in the correct order.

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

James Tech Right there with Babe Points: 762 More actions · Answer 3

Thanks Adi and Jeff for the prompt response. Will look/research into these suggestions you posted.

James

Adi Cohn-120898 SSC-Dedicated Points: 33944 More actions · Answer 4

Jeff Moden (1/20/2010)
You can also use a pass through view with the columns in the correct order.

This will work on most cases, but in case that the file has more columns then the table, you have to use a format file.

Adi