Advanced Settings for File Imports

When importing a file into Civis, there are some advanced options you can set to ensure a successful import.

Dist Key

Read our full documentation on Dist Keys here.  In short, the dist key should be the column you join in most often.  Generally this means the primary key.  Setting a dist key can greatly speed up query performance, especially on larger tables.  You can read Amazon's documentation on designating distribution styles here.

First Row Is Header?

Civis will automatically detect if the first row is a header, but in case we get it wrong we give you the ability to manually set it.  Look at the Table Preview at the bottom of the Advanced Settings to ensure it's correct.

Column Delimiter

Civis will automatically detect the delimiter and set it appropriately, but just in case we get it wrong we give you the ability to manually set it.

Backslash Escape Parameter

This parameter refers to whether or not your special characters are escaped with a backslash. By default, Civis will set this parameter to No. If you're not sure which option applies to your file, please see the section on file formats on the File Import page.

If Table Exists

This will set what Civis will do if the table already exists.

• Fail - The import will fail.
• Append - The data will be inserted at the end of the table.
• Wipe - The table will be truncated before importing the file.
• Drop - The table will be dropped before being re-created and importing the file.

Max Errors

This is the maximum number of errors an import can encounter before failing.  Any rows containing errors will be ignored while all other rows will be imported.  The default value is 0 and the maximum value is 100000.  You can read Amazon's documentation on this parameter here.

Sort Key

Read our full documentation on Sort Keys here.  Good candidates for sort keys are these often used in WHERE clauses.  You can read Amazon's documentation on choosing Sort Keys here.