Working with mapping files

Mapping files define the mapping from the source data to the destination data. Data Import processes the mapping file, reading from the source columns, then inserting into the destination column.

About this task

For additional samples to reference in understanding the data mapping capabilities, see Data Import sample files.
  • Mapping file guidelines
    You can create a mapping file if you are familiar with the source data and the destination tables. This mapping defines which source columns are inserted into which destination columns. Mapping files can be simple or complex.
  • Creating the mapping file
    After you have set up the Data Import tool and reviewed the provided samples, you can create a mapping file for either CSV or JDBC data.
  • Grouping mapping statements
    Mapping statements can be grouped by surrounding them with BEGIN and END lines. A common use of BEGIN and END blocks is to populate property values.
  • Mapping statement modifiers
    Describes statement modifiers for Data Import mapping files.
  • Common mapping paradigms
    Each set of data for import have a unique set of column names and data types. The paradigms that are provided are useful for various data import scenarios.
  • Manually specifying the order of insertion
    Within a mapping file, Data Import automatically inserts data to prevent foreign key exceptions. You can override the insert order if you have an import scenario that requires a specific import sequence.
Parent topic: Using the Data Import command line tool