Скачать или смотреть Mastering CSV/TSV Import: How to Format Text Arrays and Hstore Data for Postgres

Discover the proper syntax for text arrays and hstore values in CSV/TSV files when importing into Postgres to avoid common errors.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/69847184/ asked by the user 'eggroll' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/5518733/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/69859804/ provided by the user 'eggroll' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/5518733/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: How do I format text array and hstore data in a CSV/TSV file for importing into Postgres

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Mastering CSV/TSV Import: How to Format Text Arrays and Hstore Data for Postgres

If you've ever attempted to import data into PostgreSQL using CSV or TSV files, you might have encountered some frustrating errors that leave you scratching your head. One common problem arises when dealing with text arrays and hstore values, particularly the dreaded syntax errors.

This guide will guide you through the right way to format your text arrays and hstore data to ensure a smooth import process, without experiencing errors like:

ERROR: Syntax error near '}' at position 667

ERROR: malformed array literal: "" Detail: Array value must start with "{" or dimension information.

By following the steps outlined here, you can effectively import your data, whether you're using an IDE like Goland or a database management tool like Postico 2.

Understanding the Data Structures

1. Text Arrays

Text arrays in PostgreSQL represent an array of strings. They must be formatted correctly to avoid syntax errors. Here’s how to ensure your text arrays are correctly formatted in your CSV or TSV files:

Enclose the array in braces ({}): This indicates you're working with an array.

Use double quotes for entries with spaces: If any text entries contain spaces, encapsulate only those entries in double quotes.

Example of a Correctly Formatted Text Array:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

2. Hstore Values

Hstore is a key-value store within PostgreSQL that treats data structures a bit differently. Here’s how to format your hstore values properly:

No braces needed: Hstore values do not require braces around them.

Use double quotes for keys or values that contain spaces: Similar to text arrays, encapsulate only the problematic entries.

Example of a Correctly Formatted Hstore Value:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Formatting Tips

Remove unnecessary spaces: Besides those needed for readability (like around commas and the => operator), eliminate all other whitespace characters.

Handle null values in array columns: For any cells that would be null in an array column, ensure to place an empty array {} in the cell to avoid import errors.

Conclusion

By following these formatting guidelines for text arrays and hstore data in your CSV or TSV files, you can confidently import your data into PostgreSQL without running into the usual errors. Remember, the key points are:

Use braces for text arrays and apply double quotes to entries with spaces.

For hstore values, format your key-value pairs correctly without braces.

Maintain clean spacing and handle null values appropriately.

With this knowledge, you're now equipped to successfully import your data into Postgres with ease. Happy importing!