How in .Net do I Import Values from a CSV in the format I want using OleDB?

Question

I have a CSV file that has a column that contains strings that look like integers. That is they should be dealt with as strings, but since they are numbers they appear to be im

Answer 1

Try to use GetString() method in the reader when you need to read the column as string:

string myStringValue = reader.GetString(0);

Answer 2

There's a Schema.ini file that needs to be used to specify the info about the file. It includes field types and lengths, whether there are column headers and what the field delimiter is.

Here's the MSDN Info on it.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms709353.aspx

Answer 3

Have you tried using this CSV reader? It is generally very respected. Perhaps give it a go...

Answer 4

I'm no expert but do you cope with fixed file format ? http://csharptutorial.com/blog/exclusive-how-to-export-a-datatable-to-a-fixed-file-format-the-easy-way-using-odbc-or-jet-engine/

Answer 5

Do you have control of the export process? If so can data be exported to CSV with quotes around the string items?

If this is a one of job then just import the file into a predfined SQL table using Integration Services, but I suspect this will be a recurring task.