Comparing data in SQL Loader

[cidoni]

Is there anyway to compare two rows of data inside the control file of sql loader.
For eg:
I have a data file like this

"Tom","Cat"
"Tom","Cat"
"Jerry","Mouse"
"Pluto","Dog"

In the control file, I want to check whether the previous row is same as the current row. Depending on that I might want to do a different operation.

Can this be achieved? If yes, how?

 

[sem]

I'd suggest you to load into some staging table and then "distribute" your data acoording to your needs using sql or pl/sql. Another way is to disable constraint and process duplicates before enabling it again. Regards, Dima

 

[cidoni]

My requirement is to insert the data to a different table if the two rows are same. So, I need to to compare the data of the two rows. Is this possible?

 

[topher0303]

As sem was saying, you will have to load the data in a staging table using sqlloader then use a pl/sql script or sproc to update your production data from the staging table.

Personally, I do not like the disabling of constraints in an automated task. If they don't get re-enabled, you are running with your shields down at that point.

Chris.

 

[pabloj]

If you have Oracle 9i use external tables to examine data. Stick to your guns