Text-to-columns Data Transformation

[joepeacock]

Hello all,

I'm looking for a way to convert a single column table into multiple columns. Something like a "Text To Columns" conversion in Excel. I don't know the columns names or datatypes of the resulting columns because they may be different each time.

My original post is here. I need to import a csv file into a table, but I don't know the format of the file. It will be different each time. Someone suggested importing the full file into a single column table, then breaking it up. So, that's what I'm trying to figure out now. Any help will be much appreciated.

Joe

 

[john76]

Read your original post, ugh....users. My database would be a beautiful thing if it weren't for them. ;-)

So they won't conform to a standard format? Personally, I don't know how you can automate this if they won't agree to format their text files a certain way.

Just a thought, what about XML instead of csv? Of course, if they won't even agree to format the csv then they probably would laugh at your request for XML.

I suppose it depends a bit on your power/prestige over them. If they need the data loaded bad enough and you have the power then simply demand the file be formated the way you need it. Otherwise (and without seeing examples) I believe it will be extremely difficult to do what you are asking.

Sorry for the bleak picture,
John