convert flat-files to Oracle database

[kate8]

Hi everyone,
My company is starting using Oracle8i. Before then all my data files are text files. Now I need convert the flat files to Oracle database. Is it possible? If it is, how can I do it? I have read some documention which is about Oracle8i's Export/Import utility, but it doesn't mention how to deal with flat files.
Thank you for any help!!!

 

[karluk]

SQL*Loader is the utility you need. It is documented in the Oracle Utilities manual, and has also been discussed a number of times in this forum. See, for example, thread186-111429.

 

[dklloyd]

You probably need to look at SQL loader or sqlldr for short.
1st step is to create a control file (.ctl) and enter all you parameters in that including reference to the data file or you can put the data within it if you must.

dklloyd

 

[THoey]

Before you can use the SQL*Loader utility, you will need to define all of your structures (tablespaces, tables, etc) to store the data into. Hopefully, you have a DBA that can help you set these up. If not, I suggest a little bit of reading before you start. Terry M. Hoey

Please read the following FAQ to learn how to help me help you...

faq183-874

 

[kate8]

Thanks to all of you!!
Now I know where to start.

I don't think our DBA can do much help, so I'd better figure it out myself. Terry suggested me doing some reading before start. That is what I am going to do. Is there any books or web site you'd like to recommend?
Thanks a lot!.

 

[carp]

You might try the Utilities Guide that comes with the Oracle Documentation set. It will give you information about SQL*Loader, Import, and Export.

The Concepts Guide will give you general information about how the Oracle Instance and Database work.