Export File Configuration

Step 2 Wizard

Export Settings

The second step of the wizard represents the core of technical configuration, where all parameters that determine how data will be extracted, formatted, and saved in the final CSV file are defined. This section is divided into several thematic areas that allow granular control over every aspect of the export:

  1. Data Format Type
  2. Character Encoding
  3. Date Format
  4. Numeric Precision
  5. Write Mode
  6. Text Delimiter
  7. Separation Configurations
  8. Output File/Folder Management

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Data Format Type

The Export Type field offers two distinct modes for extracting and formatting data from the database:

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The choice between these two modes depends on the final use of the CSV file: use "raw" for technical processing and "pretty" for reports and analysis intended for direct consultation.

Character Encoding

Character Encoding

The "Encoding" field determines the character set used to save the CSV file, directly affecting the compatibility and readability of exported data. The system offers four main options:

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Recommendation: For most use cases, especially in Italian contexts, UTF-8 is recommended for its universality and compatibility with modern software. Use alternative encodings only in specific cases of legacy system compatibility.

Date Format

The "Date Format" field defines how dates will be represented in the exported CSV file. The system offers five distinct formats to adapt to different geographical needs and software compatibility requirements.

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The "d-m-Y" (day-month-year) format standardizes date representation according to the European format. This setting ensures consistency in date display and facilitates data processing by analysis software or spreadsheets configured for the Italian format.

Numeric Precision

The "Decimal Numbers" field controls the numeric precision of all decimal values in the exported CSV file. The system offers five precision levels, from 1 to 5 decimal places:

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Two decimal places represent the ideal compromise for most business CSV exports, ensuring precise data without unnecessarily increasing file size or compromising readability.

Write Mode

The "Write Mode" field determines system behavior when a CSV file with the same name already exists in the destination folder. The system offers two distinct approaches:

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  • Overwrite: represents the complete replacement approach.
    • Advantages:
      • Always ensures updated and consistent data
      • Prevents accumulation of duplicate files
      • Maintains clean folder organization
    • Disadvantages:
      • Permanent loss of the previous version
      • Inability to recover historical data
    • Ideal usage: Recurring exports where only the most recent version is needed
  • Append: adds new data to the existing file, with new records queued at the end of the existing file.
    • Advantages:
      • Preserves all historical data
      • Creates a cumulative archive over time
      • Allows trend analysis and temporal comparisons
    • Disadvantages:
      • Possible data duplication
      • Files growing in size over time
      • Need to manage multiple headers
    • Ideal usage: Activity logs, historical archives, incremental data collection

Text Delimiter

The "Text Delimiter" field defines the character used to enclose text fields in the CSV file, ensuring correct data interpretation even when they contain special characters. The system offers three main options:

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  • Double Quotes (") - Recommended Double quotes represent the international standard for CSV files:
    • Example: "Mario Rossi","Via Roma, 123","Milano"
    • Advantages:
      • Universal standard recognized by all software
      • Protects fields containing commas (field separator)
      • Correctly handles text with leading/trailing spaces
      • Guaranteed compatibility with Excel, LibreOffice, Google Sheets
    • Usage: Recommended for all standard exports
  • Single Quotes (') Single quotes offer a less common alternative:
    • Example: 'Mario Rossi','Via Roma, 123','Milano'
    • Advantages:
      • Useful when text frequently contains double quotes
      • Reduces the need for character escaping
    • Disadvantages:
      • Less compatible with standard software
      • May cause interpretation issues
    • Usage: Only in specific cases or for compatibility with particular systems
  • No Delimiter The no delimiter option eliminates any protection character:
    • Example: Mario Rossi,Via Roma 123,Milano
    • Advantages:
      • Lighter and more compact files
      • Faster processing
    • Disadvantages:
      • Serious problems if data contains the field separator
      • Loss of precision with leading/trailing spaces
      • Incompatibility with many standard software applications
    • Usage: Not recommended; use only if certain that data contains no problematic characters

Recommendation: Always use double quotes (") to ensure maximum compatibility and data protection, especially in the presence of complex text or addresses containing commas.

Separation Configurations

Separation Configurations

This section controls the characters used to structure and organize data in the CSV file, defining how fields, rows, and multiple values are separated.

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"Field Separator": defines the character that divides columns in the CSV file:

Row Separator: determines the character that indicates the end of each record:

Multiselect Picklist Separator: handles fields that can contain multiple values:

Practical Usage Examples

Multiselection field "Product Categories":

Recommendation: Use comma (,) as field separator, LF (\n) as row separator, and double pipe (||) for multiselections to ensure maximum compatibility and clarity in data structure.

 

Output File/Folder Management

This section defines settings for output file management, including destination, notifications, and naming of the final CSV file.

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