Re: Importing data into MySql via PHP

Mark Roberts wrote: <snip>

I have a client that maintains a MySql database on a webserver. They want to import data into the database by uploading a Excel spreadsheet (most likely saved in a .csv format). I want to import the data directly into the data table via a php script. It appears that I should be using a LOAD DATA INFILE command or a MYSQLIMPORT command.

From reading documentation, it would appear the the LOAD DATA INFILE is the

way I would have to go as MYSQLIMPORT appears to be a command line only command. I could use some pointers from someone who has used this before....such as... 1. What is the default file format expected? (.csv?)

Doesn't really matter, as long as it's text/plain, and you know what the deliminter is (.csv usually is comma). It's been a long time since I used Excel, but I think you can specify the deliminter when exporting, and if that is still the case, I would go with a pipe (|). Commas are far to common in data to be used as a seperator IMHO.

2. Any quarks I would need to know about?

Not to my knowledge.

3. Etc...

No need to reinvent the wheel, check places like www.phpresourceindex.com to see if they already have a function / class to do what you need done.

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