MaxL Quick Tip - Loading Multiple Files with Wildcards

Hey Everyone,

Call me "late to the party" if needed, but I recently came across a bit of functionality that I had never used before and felt the need to compile a bit of research on the functionality.  Introduced in Essbase v11.1.2.2, there was a new MaxL feature that allows you to use wildcard characters in flat file names when loading a database.

Below is an example of how to import multiple files, in parallel, using these wildcards:

import database SCOTTAPP.SCOTTDB data from data_file "D:\\Data\\ThisIsData*.txt" using SERVER rules_file 'LoadItUp' on error append to "D:\\ErrorFiles\\ThisIsData.err";

This code above will load any file in the D:\Data directory that the name starts with "ThisIsData".  

For example the following files would be loaded:

• ThisIsData.txt
• ThisIsData_1.txt
• ThisIsData_2.txt
• ThisIsData_ButNotGoodData.txt

The following example files wound NOT be loaded:

• ThisIsGoodData.txt
• ThisIsData.csv

Below is an excerpt from the v11.1.2.2 user guide in regards to using wildcards in this scenario.

To import from multiple files in parallel, use the wildcard characters * and/or ? in the IMP-FILE name so that all intended import files are matched.

• * substitutes any number of characters, and can be used anywhere in the pattern. For example, day*.txt matches an entire set of import files ranging from day1.txt - day9.txt.
• ? substitutes one occurrence of any character, and can be used anywhere in the pattern. For example, 0?-*-2011.txt matches data source files named by date, for the single-digit months (Jan to Sept).

Hope this helps!  If you have any questions, please post them below in the comments section and I will answer as quickly as I can.

Mysterious Essbase Error When Loading Data With a Flat File

Hey Everyone,
I know it has been a while since I last posted, but I promise I am still here hard at work.  :)

I recently came across an error message from the output of one of my MaxL scripts that I have never seen before.  So my first thought is, "Hey Scott, why not Google that error message to see what is going on?".  This is usually a pretty safe attack on these types of errors, but in this case, I was mistaken.  At the time of searching for this error, there was nothing on Google about it.  Really, I am serious.  Nothing.

So here it is:
MAXL> import database PINBALL.PARTY_DB data from server data_file "some_great_text_file.txt" using server rules_file "LoadUp" on error write to "D:\EssbaseErr\dataload_some_great_text_file.err";

OK/INFO - 1019061 - Reading Rule SQL Information For Database [PARTY_DB].
OK/INFO - 1019025 - Reading Rules From Rule Object For Database [PARTY_DB].
   ERROR - 1013295 - Server Request Fails with error code [1003086].
   ERROR - 1241101 - Unexpected Essbase error 1013295.

The line I am referring to is the "ERROR - 1013295 - Server Request Fails with error code [1003086]" message.  What is that?

So, since Google failed in allowing me to be lazy, I am going to have to dig down a bit deeper and find out what is going on.  I grab a cup of coffee and prepare myself for a fun little research activity.

First thing I check?  Is the file physically in the app folder...  It is NOT.  So basically, this error message is only trying to tell me that the file I was trying to load into Essbase does not exist.  I didn't even get to take the first sip of my coffee.

Now you may be asking why would I post a problem with such a ridiculously easy solution...  Simple answer.  I did it because no information (at the time of posting this) exists on the internet for this error message.

You are very welcome!

Hope you enjoyed!