BULK_IMPORT_GUIDE.md

Bulk Data Import Guide

This guide explains how to import large amounts of Student and Book data into the GECDahod Library System using CSV files.

1. Preparing your CSV Files

You must use a .csv format. You can create these in Microsoft Excel and use "Save As -> CSV (Comma delimited)".

A. Student CSV Format

File Name Example: students_data.csv
Required Headers (First Row):

• enrollment_id: Unique ID for the student (Primary Key)
• name: Full name
• email: College or personal email
• mobile_no: Contact number
• department: (e.g., Computer, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)

Example Row: 230180107045,Pavan Kumar,pavan@example.com,9876543210,Computer

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B. Book CSV Format

File Name Example: books_data.csv
Required Headers (First Row):

• access_code: Unique barcode/Access Code for the book (Primary Key)
• title: Name of the book
• author: Name of the author (Can be empty)
• shelf_location: Where the book is kept (e.g., A-1, CS-Section)

Example Row: BK-001,Introduction to Algorithms,Cormen,A-1

2. Running the Import Commands

Open your terminal (PowerShell or CMD) in the project folder and run:

Import Students

python manage.py import_data students "C:\path\to\your\students.csv"

Import Books

python manage.py import_data books "C:\path\to\your\books.csv"

Important Rules & Tips

1. Duplicate Detection: The system will automatically check if an enrollment_id or access_code already exists. It will skip duplicates and show a warning, so you don't have to worry about adding the same data twice.
2. Exact Headers: The first row of your CSV must match the headers mentioned above exactly (lowercase).
3. Empty Values: Ensure enrollment_id and access_code are never empty. Other fields like author can be blank if needed.
4. Encoding: If you have special characters, save your CSV with UTF-8 encoding.

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For technical support, contact the system administrator.