Query CSV Data in MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench allows users to administer MySQL environments and gain better visibility into databases. When paired with CData Connect (on-premise or Connect Server), you get live access to CSV data as if it were a MySQL database. This article shows how to create a virtual database for CSV in Connect and work with live CSV data in MySQL Workbench.

Create a Virtual MySQL Database for CSV Data

CData Connect uses a straightforward, point-and-click interface to connect to data sources and generate APIs.

1. Login to Connect and click Connections.
2. Select "CSV" from Available Data Sources.
3. Enter the necessary authentication properties to connect to CSV.

   The DataSource property must be set to a valid local folder name.

   Also, specify the IncludeFiles property to work with text files having extensions that differ from .csv, .tab, or .txt. Specify multiple file extensions in a comma-separated list. You can also set Extended Properties compatible with the Microsoft Jet OLE DB 4.0 driver. Alternatively, you can provide the format of text files in a Schema.ini file.

   Set UseRowNumbers to true if you are deleting or updating in CSV. This will create a new column with the name RowNumber which will be used as key for that table.

4. Click Save Changes
5. Click Privileges -> Add and add the new user (or an existing user) with the appropriate permissions.

With the virtual database created, you are ready to connect to CSV from MySQL Workbench.

Query CSV from MySQL Workbench

The steps below outline connecting to the virtual CSV database in Connect from MySQL Workbench and issuing basic queries to work with live CSV data.

Connect to CSV through Connect

1. In MySQL Workbench, click to add a new MySQL connection.
2. Name the connection (CData Connect).
3. Set the Hostname, Port, and Username parameters to connect to the SQL Gateway.
4. Click Store in Vault to set and store the password.
5. Click Test Connection to ensure the connection is configured properly and click OK.

Query CSV Data

1. Open the connection you just created (CData Connect).
2. Click File -> New Query Tab.
3. Write a SQL query to retrieve CSV data, like SELECT * FROM csvdb.Customer;

With access to live CSV data from MySQL Workbench, you can easily query and update CSV, just like you would a MySQL database. Request a demo of the CData Connect and start working with CSV just like a MySQL database today.