Loading File Using Loaders

1. Flat File as a Source:
• When the source is a flat file, instead of using the standard LKM File to SQL method, you may opt for using the most efficient loading utility available for the staging area technology. This approach leverages RDBMS-specific utilities such as SQL*Loader (Oracle), bcp (Microsoft SQL Server), or FastLoad/ MultiLoad (Teradata).
2. Load Data into Staging Area:
• The chosen loading utility will load the source file into the staging area, where transformations will take place later.
3. Steps in a Typical LKM Using Loading Utility:
• Step 1: Drop and Create the Loading Table:
• The loading table is dropped (if it already exists) and recreated in the staging area. This prepares the table for the incoming data.
• Step 2: Generate Script for Loading Utility:
• A script required by the loading utility is generated. This script includes the necessary commands and configurations to load the data from the source file into the loading table in the staging area.
• Step 3: Execute the Loading Utility:
• The appropriate operating system command is executed to start the data load process using the chosen loading utility.
• The return code of the operation is checked to ensure the load completed successfully.
• Step 4: Error Handling via Log Files:
• If applicable, log files produced by the utility are analyzed to handle any errors that may have occurred during the loading process. This is important for troubleshooting and ensuring data integrity.
• Step 5: Drop the Loading Table:
• After the integration phase is complete, the loading table is dropped to clean up the staging area and release resources.