Data Loading and Unloading
### Loading Methods
Snowflake supports multiple data loading approaches including bulk loading through COPY
commands, continuous loading via Snowpipe, and programmatic loading using APIs and
connectors. Each method is optimized for different use cases and data volumes.
### File Formats and Stages
The platform supports various file formats including CSV, JSON, Avro, Parquet, and XML.
Data can be staged in internal Snowflake stages, external cloud storage locations, or loaded
directly from client applications. Stage encryption and compression options optimize security
and performance.
### COPY Command
The COPY command provides robust bulk loading capabilities with features like file format
transformation, error handling, and data validation. It supports pattern matching for selective
file loading and can automatically detect file formats and compression types.
### Snowpipe
Snowpipe enables near real-time data ingestion by automatically loading files as they arrive
in cloud storage. It uses serverless compute resources and provides REST APIs for
integration with external systems. Event notifications trigger automatic loading without
manual intervention.
### Data Transformation
During loading, data can be transformed using built-in functions, SQL expressions, and
external functions. The platform supports schema evolution, data type conversion, and
complex transformations on semi-structured data formats.
### Error Handling
Comprehensive error handling includes validation of data types, constraint checking, and
detailed error reporting. The VALIDATION_MODE parameter allows testing load operations
without actually loading data, helping identify issues before production loads.
### Unloading Data
The UNLOAD command exports data from Snowflake tables to external stages in various
formats. It supports partitioning, compression, and encryption options. Unloaded data can be
used for data archival, external system integration, or data distribution.
