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How to Import Data from an XML File to an Oracle Table?

Published in Database Administration 3 mins read

You can import data from an XML file to an Oracle table using several methods. Here are two popular approaches:

1. Using SQL Loader

This method involves using the SQL*Loader utility, which is a powerful tool for loading data into Oracle tables from various sources, including XML files.

Steps:

  1. Create a Control File: This file defines the structure of your XML data and how it maps to the Oracle table columns. You specify the XML file path, the data format, and the target table.
  2. Prepare the XML Data: Ensure your XML file is well-formed and follows the defined schema.
  3. Run the SQL Loader Command: Execute the SQL*Loader command with the control file and XML file as input. This will load the data into the target table.

Example Control File:

LOAD DATA
INFILE 'your_xml_file.xml'
INTO TABLE your_table
FIELDS TERMINATED BY ','
TRAILING NULLCOLS
(
  column1  POSITION(1:10) "your_xml_element1",
  column2  POSITION(11:20) "your_xml_element2",
  column3  POSITION(21:30) "your_xml_element3"
);

Example SQL Loader Command:

sqlldr userid=username/password control=control_file.ctl

2. Using PL/SQL

This method utilizes PL/SQL procedures and functions to parse the XML data and insert it into the Oracle table.

Steps:

  1. Create a PL/SQL Procedure: Define a procedure that reads the XML file, parses the data, and inserts it into the target table.
  2. Use XML Parser Functions: Utilize built-in PL/SQL functions like XMLType and DBMS_XMLDOM to parse the XML data.
  3. Execute the Procedure: Run the PL/SQL procedure to import the XML data.

Example PL/SQL Procedure:

CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE import_xml_data IS
  xml_data XMLType;
  cursor xml_elements IS
    SELECT *
    FROM TABLE(XMLSequence(EXTRACT(xml_data, '/root/element'))) AS element;
BEGIN
  xml_data := DBMS_XMLDOM.GETXMLTYPE(BFILENAME('your_xml_file.xml'));
  FOR rec IN xml_elements LOOP
    INSERT INTO your_table (column1, column2, column3)
    VALUES (
      rec.element.getstringvalue('field1'),
      rec.element.getstringvalue('field2'),
      rec.element.getstringvalue('field3')
    );
  END LOOP;
END;
/

Note: The specific code and syntax may vary depending on your XML file structure, Oracle version, and desired data mapping.

Choosing the Right Method

The best approach depends on your specific requirements and expertise.

  • SQL Loader is suitable for large data volumes and simpler XML structures.
  • PL/SQL offers more flexibility and control for complex XML data and custom data transformations.

By understanding these methods, you can effectively import data from XML files into Oracle tables.

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