What is data import?
Data import is the process of transferring data from external sources (files, APIs, databases) into a target system or application for processing, storage, or analysis.
Understanding data import
Data import is a fundamental operation in software applications that involves bringing external data into your system. This can include importing CSV files, Excel spreadsheets, JSON data, or pulling from external APIs and databases.
The data import process typically involves several stages: file parsing (reading the raw data), validation (checking data quality and format), transformation (converting data to match your schema), and loading (inserting into your database or system).
Modern data import solutions handle these stages automatically, allowing users to upload files and receive clean, validated data without writing custom parsing code.
Key points
Transfers data from external sources into your system
Involves parsing, validation, transformation, and loading stages
Common formats include CSV, Excel, JSON, and XML
Can be batch (bulk) or real-time (streaming)
Quality depends on validation rules and error handling
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between data import and data migration?
Data import typically refers to bringing external data into your system on an ongoing basis (like customer uploads), while data migration is a one-time transfer of data from one system to another (like switching platforms).
What file formats are commonly used for data import?
The most common formats are CSV (Comma-Separated Values), Excel (.xlsx, .xls), JSON, and XML. CSV is the most universal due to its simplicity and wide support.
How do you handle errors during data import?
Best practice is to validate data before import, flag errors with clear messages, allow users to fix issues inline, and provide options to skip invalid rows or reject the entire file.