Importing Data - Programmers Which Is Better?

[Lee]

I was wondering if it would be better (or no difference at all) using a .csv or .xls format to import data in to a MySQL database?

Do any of the programmers we have on GWW know if one method is better than the other, or if its just personal preference?

Regards,

Lee

[Chilihost]

importing data is done so rarely, usually once when you set up the database....so I don't think it really matters.

[gaybucks_chip]

Really shouldn't matter at all. If you're going to be doing a bunch of data importation and manipulation with MySQL, check out Premiumsoft Navicat (www.navicat.com). It is hands down the BEST tool to create, manipulate, import, and modify MySQL databases. I'm not a programmer, and I've used Navicat a bunch of times to import and export data to and from MySQL databases. Comparing Navicat to PHPMyAdmin is like comparing a Rolls Royce to a bicycle.

I think they have a 30 day trial which is fully functional, so you might want to check it out.

[haganxy]

assuming your mySQL database is going to be on a UNIX/Linux type system, i suggest exporting your data into "tab delimited" text format.

UNIX/Linux systems can't read .xls that easily, the programmer would probably export it into a text file anyhow.

.csv would work, but depending on what kind of data you have, i've had troubles with data such as: "Houston, TX" or "Mr. John Doe, Jr."