Minimum requirements for a successful import

[johnjohndoe]

I did several attempts to import data from a CSV file. I studied the source code of the importer to follow the various checks. Finally, I have to admit that it is very hard to guess as a random user what are the minimum requirements to successfully import data. I ask myself question such as:

• Can there be empty cells in a data row?
• Can there be 0 values in cells within a data row?
• Can there be data rows from multiple sensors in one CSV file?
• Why is a data row skipped on a second try if has not been imported successfully before?

Please clearly write down the minimum requirements for the input data. I appreciate the demo data you provide - please provide another example with regards to my questions.

/cc @nuest

[EHJ-52n]

Can there be empty cells in a data row?

No, no empty cells. They will be skipped.

Can there be 0 values in cells within a data row?

If the used datatype allowes 0 as value, it should be no problem.

Can there be data rows from multiple sensors in one CSV file?

Yes, but you should not have row 2n for sensor A and row 2n+1 for sensor B, but have the values from different sensors in different columns.

Why is a data row skipped on a second try if has not been imported successfully before?

Because there is a bug, please provide more details in a different issue.

[johnjohndoe]

Thank you. Please add these rules to the documentation.

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Can there be empty cells in a data row?

No, no empty cells. They will be skipped.

Please consider interpreting empty cells as 0 if the data type allows. I think this would be a plus for a more convenient user experience. It could be a feature.

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Because there is a bug, please provide more details in a different issue.

Please find my bug report described in issue #44.

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Can there be data rows from multiple sensors in one CSV file?

Yes, but you should not have row 2n for sensor A and row 2n+1 for sensor B, but have the values from different sensors in different columns.

I am not sure I understand. Each sensor is in a separate row in my case not column. Can you tell if the following example file contains valid data to being imported?

• sensordata-3-lines.csv

[johnjohndoe]

Here is one requirement I noticed:

• Integer values are required if Count values are imported, see issue Allow double values for count fields  #47.