Question

How to import csv files into PostgreSQL Database using Python

Asked by: kmartinenko

Hello,

I am in need of a "for dummies" tutorial on how to import csv files (preferrably multiple .csv files) into a PostgreSQL database using Python and the psycopg2 module.  Version of Python is 2.6 and my PostgreSQL db is version 8.3.  There would be one table per .csv and each table would have 4 columns (ID, DATE, TIME, VOLUME).  I understand I would first have to create the required number of tables in PostGres in order for the csv data to be inserted properly.  However, as to the script I need to write in order to carry this out in Python, I haven't the slightest clue.

Thanks!


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Asked On
2009-06-18 at 15:39:21ID24504317
Tags

PostgreSQL

,

Python

Topics

PostgreSQL Database

,

Python Scripting Language

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Answers

 

by: peprPosted on 2009-06-19 at 04:45:21ID: 24665445

Not having experience with PostgreSQL, I can only show you how to work with the csv module (i.e. reading and writing the csv files) -- see the snippet below.

However, you should probably focus on COPY FROM command -- see the doc http://www.postgresql.org/docs/8.2/static/sql-copy.html

import csv
 
fin = open('some.csv', 'rb')     # doc says that binary mode must be used
fout = open('output.txt', 'wb')  # output also have to be in binary mode
 
reader = csv.reader(fin)
writer = csv.writer(fout, dialect='excel-tab') # leave the second argument out if needed
 
for row in reader:
   ##print row
   writer.writerow(row)
 
fin.close()
fout.close()

                                              
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by: peprPosted on 2009-06-19 at 04:49:30ID: 24665470

When combining Python and PostgreSQL, you should probably focus on the PyGreSQL module (http://www.pygresql.org/).

 

by: peprPosted on 2009-06-19 at 04:54:14ID: 24665489

Probably something with pgobject (http://www.pygresql.org/pg.html#connection-objects-pgobject) and its .query(SQLcommand) method.

 

by: kmartinenkoPosted on 2009-06-22 at 08:50:13ID: 31594194

Thanks for the suggestions pepr.

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