Every SQL database has its own preferred method for importing CSV data. The right approach depends on which database you're using, how large the file is, and how much control you need over the import process. Here's a practical comparison across PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite.
Method 1: SQL INSERT Statements (Works Everywhere)
The most portable approach is generating SQL INSERT statements from the CSV and running them in your database client. This works in every SQL database without any special configuration, makes the import explicit and auditable, and lets you review what will be inserted before running it.
The downside is performance — INSERT statements run row-by-row through the query engine and are slower than bulk import commands for very large files. For files under 100,000 rows, the difference is rarely material.
Method 2: Native Bulk Import Commands
PostgreSQL — COPY: PostgreSQL's COPY command is the fastest way to load CSV data. It bypasses the query engine and loads directly into the table. The basic syntax specifies the table name, the CSV file path, and that the file has a header row. COPY runs in a single transaction and either fully succeeds or fully fails — which is a feature, not a limitation.
Sohovi gives you a full quality report on any spreadsheet in seconds — upload your file and see exactly what needs fixing.
MySQL — LOAD DATA INFILE: MySQL's equivalent is LOAD DATA INFILE. It requires the LOAD DATA privilege and, depending on your MySQL configuration, may require the file to be on the database server rather than the client machine. LOCAL INFILE mode allows client-side files but must be enabled in the server configuration. Field and row terminators are specified explicitly.
SQLite — .import command: The SQLite CLI has an .import command that reads a CSV file into a table. Set the mode to CSV first, then specify the file and table name. SQLite is the most permissive of the three — it doesn't enforce types strictly and handles separator variations gracefully.
Method 3: GUI Tools
For developers who prefer a visual interface: pgAdmin (PostgreSQL), MySQL Workbench (MySQL), and DB Browser for SQLite all have import wizards that accept CSV files and handle column mapping interactively. These are the easiest starting point for non-developers.
Choosing the Right Approach
For one-off imports where you want explicit control, use SQL INSERT statements generated from your CSV. For performance-sensitive imports of large files, use the native bulk command for your database. For non-technical users, use the GUI import wizard.
Sohovi's free CSV to SQL generator produces ready-to-run INSERT statements in your choice of PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, or MSSQL dialect — with CREATE TABLE included.
Keep Reading
Generate SQL INSERT Statements from CSV Free →