comma-separated values (CSV) file format issues

[Dr. T. Patel]

Dear Liviu,
I exported the database of FET software to a comma-separated value (CSV) file format so as the edit the database like teachers, students, activities etc. Since the input the database especially activities dialog box is time taking, therefore, I thought to export the data and edit the corresponding value. I am facing the problem like after editing and saving the data in excel using a comma-separated value (CSV) file format and uploading the same in FET software then it's not recognizing the format. I think the comma-separated values (CSV) file format is losing its some common formatting pattern. I request to kindly help me how to export and edit data in FET software.

Thank you.

Patel

[Liviu Lalescu]

You can export the FET data as XML from a file like german_subact_constraint.fet from Germany examples, and see how it appears. Then, you need to follow exactly this format.

What errors do you get?

[Volker Dirr]

you mean you want to import the csv again and than:

1. you need to enter again the filed names, seperators, ... . But after that you can import again.

or

2. FET import some activities incorrect.

if you talk about 1:
i remember that some old Excel version save the header incorrect. it added a few " characters in the first line, but that " characters are wrong. if you open the csv file with an editor you will see this wrong " characters and you only need to remove them. (i recommend an editor like https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ )

if you talk about 2:
in that case you should have got a warning while exporting to csv that the file will not be 100% the same. the csv file is a simplified version to do a quick data import. a accurate csv file format will be much more complicated and users won't use it anymore. if you need an accurate file format, please use the default fet (xml) file format. (that mean of course you can't use excel anymore)

if you talk about something different: please ask one more time. maybe sent me your file so i can check the bug.

[Dr. T. Patel]

Dear Liviu and Volker,
I am very thankful to both of you for your suggestions regarding above queries.

Meanwhile, after posting the above questions, I tried to explore some possibilities in simple ways to do it...Finally, I wrote a simple program in excel which serves the purpose of importing file in "FET" .

The data sheet available in the excel file is copied and paste in a text file and imported text file to "FET" which solved my proble. The similar approach adopted for other files like activities, students, etc. I have attached herewith the excel and text files for your reference, may be useful for others who are looking to import data in "FET".
Thank you..

Patel

[Volker Dirr]

You have chosen a very complicated way.
Looks like your excel version doesn't use default text quotes if you save, i guess you changed it some time ago. But it is very easy to change it again to default. As soon as you save the csv file you only need to modify the settings. So there is no program needed to do that.
i can't write the exact way for Excel right now, since i haven't got excel at home. Please read in the excel help how to do it exactly. I just done it with LibreOffice. If you save there you can select "Edit Filter Settings". There you need to select Field delimiter Comma (,) and Text delimiter quotation mark (")

[Dr. T. Patel]

Dear Volker,

I downloaded LibreOffice and use it for importing file to FET. It's rocking !! Tonnes of thank you for your suggestions. God bless you for your kindness and helping all needy persons .

Patel