Loading File Using Loaders FAQS

1. What is the advantage of using a loading utility for flat files instead of the standard LKM File to SQL?
•  Using a loading utility (such as SQL*Loader, bcp, or FastLoad) provides faster performance compared to the standard LKM File to SQL method. These utilities are optimized for bulk data loading into RDBMS tables, making them more efficient for handling large flat files.
2. Which RDBMS loading utilities are commonly used for flat files?
•  Common RDBMS-specific loading utilities include:
• SQL*Loader for Oracle
• bcp (Bulk Copy Program) for Microsoft SQL Server
• FastLoad and MultiLoad for Teradata
3. How is the flat file data loaded into the staging area using these utilities?
•  The loading utility generates a script that specifies the process of loading the data from the flat file into the loading table in the staging area. The utility is then executed via an operating system command to load the data efficiently.
4. What is the process for using a loading utility in an LKM?
•  The typical steps are:

1.               Drop and recreate the loading table in the staging area.

2.               Generate a script for the loading utility.

3.               Execute the load command using the utility and check the return code.

4.               Analyze log files for errors if needed.

5.               Drop the loading table after the integration phase is completed.

5. Is it necessary to analyze log files when using the loading utility?
•  While not always necessary, analyzing log files can be crucial for error handling. These logs provide detailed information about any issues during the loading process, helping to resolve errors or issues before proceeding with the transformation.
6. What happens to the loading table after the data is loaded into the staging area?
•  After the integration phase is complete, the loading table is dropped to clean up the staging area and release any resources associated with it.
7. Is this method suitable for large datasets?
•  Yes, using loading utilities is highly efficient for large datasets because these utilities are optimized for fast data transfer and bulk loading, making them better suited for handling large volumes of data compared to row-by-row methods.
8. Can I use the same utility for different source types?
•  Loading utilities are typically tied to specific RDBMS systems (e.g., SQL*Loader for Oracle, bcp for SQL Server). Therefore, you would need to choose the appropriate utility based on the target RDBMS and the specific needs of the data load process.
9. What if I don't need to perform transformations in the staging area?
•  If transformations are not required in the staging area, you can still use the loading utility for efficient data loading. However, in cases where transformations are needed, they will occur in the staging area after the data is loaded by the utility.
10. Can I customize the script generated for the loading utility?
•  Yes, the script generated for the loading utility can be customized to fit specific needs, such as specifying file formats, delimiters, or other load parameters based on the source data or RDBMS configurations.