SkipRows option

Specifies the number of initial rows to skip before loading the data.

The default is 0 (none). After the system has a candidate binary record from an input row, it determines whether to insert that record into the target table as follows:
  • If you did not specify this option, the system inserts every record.
  • If you specified this option and the input row counter is less than or equal to the SkipRows option count, the system discards the candidate binary record (skips it). Otherwise, the system inserts the record.

If you use the SkipRows option, the system skips the specified number of rows and then begins the count for the MaxErrors option, the MaxRows option, or both, if you specify them.

You cannot use the SkipRows option for header row processing in a data file, because even the skipped rows are processed first. Therefore, data in the header rows should be valid with respect to the external table definition.

This option can be helpful for testing purposes. If you set this option to a maximum value, you can validate that the data file is correct before loading the rows into a user table.