Submitted by jimspoon on 2019/04/26 13:29
I'm experimenting with the non-hierarchical data import feature, using data copied from an Excel spreadsheet - four columns, first column text data, fourth column is a date.
 
(1)  First I tried pasting a few rows into the "Data to import:" text box.  I checked the Tab field delimiter box.  When I clicked "Next", IQ displayed the following message:
 
"Nothing to import.  Verify input data and settings."
 
I tried selecting all the text in the text box before clicking the Next button - same Nothing to Import message.
 
(2)  Next I copied the same rows into a text file.  I verified that the field delimiter copied to the text file was the Tab character.  I saved the text file, and then loaded it into the Import dialog using the Open File button.  This time, when I clicked the Next button, IQ advanced to the Step 2 Field Mapping display.  The rows were properly shown in the upper section, correctly parsed into columns.
 
(3)  I was experimenting to see what input data formatting IQ would require to recognize the date column data as a date.  First I tried to import data where the date was copied without formatting, i.e. just as the Excel serial date code, e.g. "33905".  I set the "Date" field (a date type field) as the destination field for this data.  At Step 2 Field Mapping display, the serial date code was shown in the upper display.  When I reached Step 3: Import Preview of the Import dialog, the Date field was empty - i.e. IQ did not recognize the Excel date code as a date.  Not surprising, no big deal.
 
(4) I went back to Excel and applied my Windows system date code format to the date column.  It is a non-standard date format - "2019.04.26", which I use to facilitate sorting by date.  Once again I copied the rows to a text file, and when I reached Step 3: Import Preview of the IQ Import dialog, the Date field was populated by the date data in this non-standard format.  So, I guess this means that IQ import will recognize data as dates, so long as they are in the Windows system date format, even if it is a non-standard format for dates.  I have not yet tried other possible date formats.
 
Just wanted to give you this input!