Import Delimited Text File
Overview
This function lets you input data from delimited text files directly into
Lotto Sorcerer. 'Delimited text files' are files where the data fields are
separated by a specific character, such as a tab or comma. Note that this
expects the data to have the drawing date first, then the numbers drawn. If
it is a bonus ball type lottery, it expects the final number(s) to be the
bonus ball(s).
The function can import a wide variety (over 52,000!) of different types of
import files. But the import file must perfectly match the import
parameters you specify.
Any errors while importing will be logged into the log file. Use the menu
item "Utilities > File Viewer" and use the File Viewer to review.
How to Invoke
Use the menu item "Lottery Data > Import Lottery Data > Import Delimited Text File" .
Basic Procedure
- Set the input parameters of the delimited text file.
- Select the input file.
- Click the "Import" button.
Window Controls
"Select Lottery" dropdown
Use this dropdown to select the lottery that you want to import data to.
"Date Format" dropdown
This allows you to select how the drawing date format.
"Character between Date Elements" dropdown
This allows you to select the character that is between the date elements
(month, day and year). The default is the slash ('/').
"Character between Date and Numbers" dropdowns
This allows you to select the character that is between the date and the
first of the numbers drawn. The default is the tab character.
"Character between Numbers" dropdown
This allows you to select the character that is between the individual
numbers drawn. The default is the dash ('-').
"Ignore First Line" check box
Some delimited text files use the first line to describe the field layout.
If your input file has this, check this box.
"Expected Input Format" box
Based on your previous selections, this box shows, using dummy data, how it
expects the input file to look. Note that the tab character is represented
as '[tab]'.
"Select Input File" button
Clicking this button brings up a standard file selector. Choose the file you
want to import.
"Actual Input Format" box
Based on the file you selected, this box shows an actual preview of the
first few lines of that file. It is important that this box closely
resembles what is in the "Expected Input Format" box.
"Import" button
Clicking this button imports the file you have chosen into Lotto Sorcerer's
database.
"Cancel" button
Use this to close the current window and return to the Main window.