Import .dat file into SN

[prithvi232]

SN supported data formats for import are csv, excel and xml. However, I have a use case where I have to import data from .dat files with specific delimiters (obtained from an external system) into SN. Has anyone come across such a use case before? If so, please let me know what your approach was.

[martygrinstead]

Hi Prithvi,

Is the .dat file a binary file?   Are you able to open it with a text editor and see the delimiters?

I'm not aware of any way to parse a binary file, but maybe with some deeper knowledge of the format of the file, someone may have some ideas.

Is there a sample .dat file available for review?

Marty

[prithvi232]

I was thinking if we can import the data from the .dat file directly into SN and then implement a script within SN to perform the delimitation and save the data in a custom table. I know SN doesn't support .txt or .dat format inputs, but was just curious if anyone had a similar scenario.

[Chuck Tomasi]

See my earlier comment. You can simply change the name to filename.csv, use a standard import set, and specify a delimiter (if not a comma.)

[prithvi232]

In my case, source is not a fixed length delimited file. So I have automated the process of inserting (,) at desired positions and converted the .dat to .csv file - using a java code. And from your comments I understand that .csv is the best format for this use case.

Thanks Chuck.

Prit